I want to get more fish. What will live with my african cichlids?

Question

I currently have 2 electric yellows, 2 aeri blues and a chinese algae eater in my 55 gallon tank. I'd like to get at least another pair of cichlids, but what others will leave peacefully and in the same water conditions as my africans? What about rams? Please make some suggestions that I can look into. Thanks.

Answer 1

Rams are new world cichlids basically and probably won't get along with African cichlids.
I recommend:
-Kenyi Cichlid
-Demasoni Cichlid
-Peacock Cichlid
-Zebra Cichlid
Those listed above originate from lake Malawi and are compatible with the fish you have now.

If you want my opinion i would get 2 Kenyi Cichlids, and 2 Demasoni Cichlids, they have unique colors and shapes.
I especially like Demasoni Cichlids, they are rare and i think they look the coolest.
Here's more info about all the cichlids compatible.
http://www.liveaquaria.com/product/scateg.cfm?pCatId=1825
Good Luck

Answer 2

All of the neo-tropical cichlids require softer water than the Africans require. If you like Rams,try some of the Tanganyican "Shell Dwellers", instead. They are charming little fish that live and spawn in abandonned snail shells,and require the same high pH and kH that pleases your Mbuna. They won't contribute much to the bio-load and are real fun to watch. Look for Neolamprologus multifasciatus,or Neolamprologus sp."Sunspot".

Answer 3

Sevrums are fairly peaceful fish, and Blue Acara as well. I have the yellow labs and yellow peacocks togeather in a 20 while my 55 cycles up for my new cichild community. I have limited knowledge in chichilds which is to say I know they for the most part need hard water, and each species by groups, african/south american/asian have thier own special needs. I don't have that knowledge off the top of my head, but I have read many articles just googling about cichilds in the past, and frequently I have read about sevrums and blue acara as peaceful community cichilds.

I'd pass on one other little piece of advice though, if possible, return that chinese algea eater. When that fish gets bigger and older, they are quite known to attach themselves to other fish and doing so, many times it kills the other fish. Make sure you have a good rock/cave set up and your cichilds shouldn't get too territorial if they have good areas to hide in. I can't wait to get mine up and going myself. Wish I had more input but that's all I have at this point. Email 8 in the Corner, that man knowns more about cichilds then anyone else I know.

JV

Answer 4

Like already mentioned, rams are not a good choice. Neither are severums or blue acaras. They are south american cichlids, and prefer different water chemistry, and a different diet all together.

Peacock cichlids for the most part are mildy aggressive, and would work well with your stocklist in my opinion. They come in some nice colors as well. Maybe a pair of S. Fryeri?

Answer 5

Unfortunately nothing. I had cichlids and the only thing they tolerate is other cichlids. They are an extremely territorial fish. If you have lots of rocks, vegitation and hiding places, you can get away with quite a few cichlids living together. There are lots of varieties and colors.

Answer 6

I had the same 4 Chiclids you have at one point, I had them in a tank with 3 tiger loaches and they all did just fine together. The loahces are also very interesting fish to watch from time to time...they chase each other around alot :)

Answer 7

electric blues are pretty nice or you could get black convicts but i warn you there very aggressive dolphin cichlids are pretty kool also