i have a red zebra cichlid chasinga yellow electric to death, if more yellows were added would they expect the

Answer 1

Adding more yellow labs (and/or other mbuna species) will make things easier even if the red zebra doesn't change its behavior. 6+ yellow labs bullied by 1 red zebra have it a lot better than 1 or 2 yellow labs being bullied by 1 red zebra. It's called 'spreading the aggression' and is a method often utilized when keeping aggressive african cichlids.

I keep 5 red zebras and 11 yellow labs in the same 125gal tank along with other african cichlids and the red zebras ignore the yellow labs.

Keep in mind that mbuna don't do well in small groups (even in large tanks). So 3-6 mbuna in a 120gal creates the environment for a 'tank bully' to develop. That same tank with 20-30 mbuna will have a lot lower aggression levels.

Get a few more yellow labs and 3-4 FEMALE red zebras and you should see improvements in your tank (due to the nature of these fish you'll have to acquire them all at once).

Answer 2

Electric Yellows are mild tempered fish and pretty weak compared to most other mbuna. Red Zebra's are not the most aggressive mbuna out there, but they're quite tough compared to the yellows and can sometimes cause issues as yours is.

Adding more yellows won't stop the zebra from being aggressive, but it would spread the aggression out on amongst more fish. Plus these yellows are fairly social for mbuna and do best in groups in the first place. Yellow labs are very passive and certainly will not turn on the zebra just because there's more of them - it means the zebra will ahve more to chase. If the Zebra is relentless then he should probably be removed anyway. You can always try another one of the same type - each fish will show different temperment, even among the same species. Or better yet, go with milder types more likely to get along with labs, like Rusty's, P. Saulosi, or P. Acei.

Also keep in mind that tanks less then 4 feet long are simply not good for any but the few mild types of mbuna. No amount of hiding spots will prevent bad aggression if the tank is too small.

Answer 3

If you put more yellow electrics in it make no difference. All cichlids are aggresive and there will be a battle royal. You can either have a cichlid tank of red Zebras or Yellow electrics to have a peaceful tank.

Answer 4

Both of those fish are of mildly aggressive temperment and you can expect them to be a little intolerant of each other for a while. Just try to keep them from killing each other during the first week or so that they're together & they'll probably settle down a bit more as they get used to seeing each other.

You can add more fish and more hiding spaces to distribute the aggression amongst your fish more evenly that way one fish isn't singled out and terrorized to death. With fish like that its important to try to stock the fish of equal size that way there isn't a whimpy one who is easially killed. I was never able to introduce jewell cichlids to my african tank. they'd always end up dead a couple days later.

Visual barriers can help also. Adding rockwork or pvc pipes for fish to hide in can go a long way. Once they're out of sight, they're out of mind for the more aggressive ones.

Here's a good site to show you some DIY projects
http://www.cichlid-forum.com/articles/diy_list.php

You can also google "dither fish" and "target fish" Often times, adding a school of giant zebra danios or australian rainbowfish can lower aggression in cichlids by making them more comfortable with their surroundings. They are cheap & disposable. They worked very well for me.

Answer 5

i do not think the red zebra cichlid will stop. cichlids are an agressive fish and shouldnt go with any other fish that are not aggressive themselves. You cant change that its just there nature. either get a new tank or get rid of him. if you put in more i think it will add to the problam.

Answer 6

Put them all in a large enough tank and the aggression won't be a problem.(Over 100 gallons, minimum)

Answer 7

Hi,both are classed has aggressive maybe they will get use
to each other.Think if you add more yellow they might kill the red zebra.Good Luck

Answer 8

I HAD A CICHLID GROWING UP AND IT KILLED EVERYTHING WE PUT IN THERE WITH IT- BY THE WAY WHERE IS THE REST OF YOUR QUESTION?

Answer 9

No, first complete your question.

Answer 10

Dude.. what?