What's the smallest sized tank for this type of fish?

Question

My friend brent wanted to get 2 electric blue cichlids and put them into his 17 gallon, and I'm not sure if it would work or not, it would be the only two fish in there i would expect.

Answer 1

Yeah, he will definitely need to upgrade his tank sometime. They are probably young now and will be fine for a few months, but eventually 40 or 50 gallons would be much better.

I'm guessing you're refering to the Electric Blue Hap - they grow to 6-8" (and forget that horrible 1 inch per gallon rule).

They are gorgeous fish and will be more so in a proper sized tank. In a 50 gallon he could also get a few females.

Answer 2

I think you may want to go bigger

The Electric Blue African Cichlid, also known as the Electric Blue Ahli, is a fairly typical member of the Cichlidae family. Interestingly, S. ahli was first imported erroneously as Haplochromis jacksoni; however, the two species are markedly different.

The Electric Blue African Cichlid does well with other Lake Malawi cichlids when provided with a spacious, rocky tank of 70 gallons or more. Although plants are extraneous for the Electric Blue African Cichlid, they may be beneficial for other tank members; however, fish larger than three inches will often uproot live plants. The Electric Blue African Cichlid can and probably will be aggressive toward smaller fish.

Considered a specialized mouth brooder, eggs are fertilized and carried by the female. Within 12 to 18 days, fry are released, measuring 1/4 inch. Once released, they do not return to their mother again. Most members of the mouth brooding variety of African Cichlids are easily bred while in the aquarium when given the proper tank set-up and excellent water conditions. A small group of 5 to 7 females and one male will provide the best opportunities for breeding.

In the wild, the diet of the Electric Blue African Cichlid is predominately fry. In the aquarium, its diet should include frozen chopped shrimp, krill, chopped fish, and other meaty fare.

Ideal tank mates include other aggressive Lake Malawi African Cichlids and African Catfish of the genus Synodontis


The average mature Electric Blue will measure between 10 and 16 centimeters (four to six and a half inches) in length, though imperial sizes have been noted.

Answer 3

save in options, the bigger the tank, the less difficult that is to save sparkling. Feed sparingly, and upload basically a million-2 fish at a time. Wait 2-3 weeks beforehand including extra fish. A tank can help one inch of fish for each gallon the tank holds. 10 gallon=10 inches of fish. make sure that you do seem on the lable to make certain how massive the fish will develop to in case you do not plan to improve your tank length in many years. good success!

Answer 4

I think that fish you are referring to is the Johanni. Black and blue horizontal stripes. Two should be ok in a 17 gallon tank. If aggression is an issue you may have to remove the submissive as adding fish wont be an option.

Answer 5

Once full grown you may need a new tank, but they should be fine for now. The rule for fish is a gallon per every inch. So if they get to be 4 inches, they need 4 gallons each, etc.

Answer 6

I had an oscar and I think these fish grow to be about the same size and the recommendation for the oscar was a 20 gallons for each fish. The pet store would be able to help you and there are plenty of books out there for good information.

Answer 7

I think the rule is 1 gallon per 1 inch of fish. So 2 one inch fish need at least 2 gallons.

Answer 8

Fine, you shouldn't have a problem.

Answer 9

They will be fine in there.

Answer 10

No problem at all.