Mixing Cyno Aurifrons (Mbamba) and Afra (Zebroides)???

[Ava333]

Has anyone kept Cynotalpia Aurifrons Nkhata Bay (formerly Mbamba) with Cynotalpia Afra Jalo Reef (I think now called Zebroides) in the same tank, males & females? Most females in the Cyno's look similar to me, but i'm still new to the Cyno's. However, I have read where someone did keep them together and didn't have any hybrid fry... The Aurifons females seem to be more brownish and slightly darker than the Afra females, and the Afra females seem to be more blueish-gray and show faint barring.

I have a 125 gallon 6' tank. I already have 6 Aurifrons Nkhata Bay juvies in my other tank. Was thinking about getting 6 Afra Jalo Reef too. They would eventually end up in the same tank, most likely. In nature, these fish can come from the same collection point and not crossbreed... but that doesn't mean it will work that way in a home aquarium. So, tell me your thoughts and have you ever tried it, and what was the results?

[Ava333]

Would love to find someone here that has tried this, regardless of the outcome. 👍

[Regalblue]

I haven't done the combo, but would NOT if I wanted any spawns.  Way too close of species & high risk of hybridization

[Ava333]

Thanks Regalblue. Stayed up most of the night doing research and watching videos on both fish, even look at their fry and juvies. That was enough to scare me away. On top of that, the ones I can get locally are different sizes. One would be about 1" and the other about 2 1/2". Just not willing to try this after all.