African Cichlids

First topic message reminder :

Have a 55 gallon with 2 African Cichlids... Would like to add more color (currently two bumble bee type) However - what other types of cichlids can I mix in with them? Every time I ask at the local pet store, they tell me none - ONLY the basic ones that we have... I have numerous tanks set up - but really no experience with Cichlids... Any help would be appreciated..

so many variables-bumblebees are very agressive-they are a zebra,I think which generally indicates a more aggressive type-electric blue johanni,cherry red,red top cobalt-there are many to choose from-do you have all males or 1 to2 ratio-would be best to have all males for a show tank-can increase variety -the real issue is filtration.how much extra-two large hang ons will be fine for around 15,but as they get older and larger,some will have to go.some will get picked on naturally and wont be able to run w/ the big dogs-its only natural.An african peacock or mbuna can get large in a 55.when they start gettin big 7+,maybe your down to 3 to 5.It takes a few years or more to get that big depending,so you have time to decide which ones you like best.

The bumblebee is from the family Pseudotropheus the zebra you are referring to are from Metriaclima.

From what I understand all male tanks can really help with aggression with these guys but with some species having completely different colors between ales and females (if colors what your looking for) then that can be a touch call. All I know is that if they are not guarding eggs they are still bullies but most can dish and take.

It's aggressive just the same.I stay away from them.They tend to set the peacocks off.I keep peacocks because even though they can be aggressive,they're not as bad,and its good when your fish arent always killin one another