How to Prevent Hybrids

[Hari]

Hi Guys,

Any ideas on how to prevent hybrids in African Cichlid Tanks? I know that having a species specific tank is the best way. But are there any species that avoid interbreeding? I hear that putting fish of different shapes (e.g. Mbuna and Tropheus) prevents it to some extent. Let me know your thoughts.

Thanks,
Hari

[Ron]

How scientific (and or long) of a response would you like?

[mibwb]

Simple all Male show tank...or put everyone on birth control

[Hari]

Thanks mibwb.

@Ron - Longer the better. Its okay if it is scientific:) Thanks

[Ron]

Here's some good reading if you have the time and interest: Sex, speciation, and fishy physics

In a general sense, among african cichlids it's been shown that mating selection largely results from selection of the female. What cues is she influenced by? Mostly color, then shape, and then behavior. Keeping species of varying colors will help cut down on hybridization. Same goes for body shapes.

Tank space and opportunity will also factor into this. If you've got only a male D. compressiceps and a female mbuna in a tank, chances are things might take a turn for the worse. Having a tank where multiples species can spread out and become allured by their own, is a better alternative.

So what are you thinking about keeping and in what size tank?

[Ava333]

Here's what I started out doing (but my eyes got the better of me 😂).
1. Pick fish from different genera (Metriaclima, Cynotilapia, ect.)(I didn't do so good with this one!)
2. Pick fish of different colors and barring. Make sure the females aren't too similar also!
3. Pick fish of the same aggression level. That way the least aggressive fish can hold up to the most aggressive ones.
4. Figure out what you like, post it, and ask what people think. If there are any obvious cross breeding issues, someone will usually warn you (like yellow labs & red zebras). I got tons of help picking out my fish.
My main tank has been set up less than 6 months, but they're breeding now with no issues. However, I know I have to be willing to relocate a species, if needed.

[Hari]

Thanks Ava

[Ava333]

Guess I should have stated that it's a 6' 125 gallon AND I started with 8 of each species so there would be plenty of fish to spread out aggression and lots of breeding options for the females. Not positive things would have went as well as they have if I had ordered 3 or 4 of each species and uped the number of species.

Are you stocking a new tank? Or tweeking an existing one? What size?