Tankmate suggestions for Haplochromis sp.44

[LoveTheFishies]

I picked up some fish from Oyers a couple weeks ago.  Liked the color and pattern of the Haplochromis sp.44, even though I didn't know much about them, so I got 4 of them.  When I was browsing, I indicated I wanted a "calmer" cichlid tank.  (yes I know thats an oxymoron).   Anyway, in doing some research, it seems they can be hard on tankmates.  Right now they are fairly small and I don't see anything out of ordinary.  When I do some tankswaping this summer, I'd like to get them into a tank with the right tankmates.  Any suggestions of relatively happy, colorful cichlids to go in with them?
Thanks

[danielratti]

I wouldn't do it because they are so mean. Sp.44 are best kept to tank alone.plus if you are aiming to breed them it would be easier because you will not have to worry about them becoming more aggressive to the other fish in the tank.

But if you must have something in there with them put some sort of julie or compressiceps in the tank with a lot of places to hide.

[LoveTheFishies]

I wouldn't do it because they are so mean. Sp.44 are best kept to tank alone.plus if you are aiming to breed them it would be easier because you will not have to worry about them becoming more aggressive to the other fish in the tank.

But if you must have something in there with them put some sort of julie or compressiceps in the tank with a lot of places to hide.

Thanks, I'll have to watch them.  Either Put them in a separate tank or take them to the auction.

[Michael Zebrowski]

Keeping Sp. 44's with larger, active fish will keep their aggression down.

[LoveTheFishies]

Right now they are with fish that are the same size or larger.  Will probably move them in the next 3 months or so.

[Ron]

I've kept/bred Hap sp. #44 and wouldn't consider them highly aggressive. IMO they are like any moderately aggressive mbuna and I would keep them with tank mates as such.

[LoveTheFishies]

I've kept/bred Hap sp. #44 and wouldn't consider them highly aggressive. IMO they are like any moderately aggressive mbuna and I would keep them with tank mates as such.

Can you give me a couple of examples Ron?  Thanks.

[Ron]

Can you give me a couple of examples Ron?  Thanks.

Sure. FWIW, I'd suggest a 48"+ tank at the minimum for long term success, larger being better.

Cynotilapia might be alright (afras)
Less aggressive Melanochromis species (johanni, cyaneorhabdos AKA "maingo" AKA "electric blue johanni")
Maylandia species (various zebras complexes, etc)
Labeotropheus species (trewavasae, fuelleborni)
Remaining "Pseudotropheus" species (elongatus, demasoni, socolofi)

With the exception of the Pseudotropheus dumping ground of nearly all mbuna once upon a time, I'd only pick 1 from any given genus to help avoid crossbreeding.

[LoveTheFishies]

Can you give me a couple of examples Ron?  Thanks.

Sure. FWIW, I'd suggest a 48"+ tank at the minimum for long term success, larger being better.

Cynotilapia might be alright (afras)
Less aggressive Melanochromis species (johanni, cyaneorhabdos AKA "maingo" AKA "electric blue johanni")
Maylandia species (various zebras complexes, etc)
Labeotropheus species (trewavasae, fuelleborni)
Remaining "Pseudotropheus" species (elongatus, demasoni, socolofi)

With the exception of the Pseudotropheus dumping ground of nearly all mbuna once upon a time, I'd only pick 1 from any given genus to help avoid crossbreeding.

Thanks