new african cichlid 150 gallon tank

I am new to the african cichlid species But not new to fish in general. Currently in my 150 gallon tank I have 2 orange zebras, 2 acei, 4 rusty cichlids, 2 yellow labs, and 2 dolphin cichlids. Will these fish be compatible with each other as they get older? Are there any new species that ican mix in with the 5 that I currently have? At the moment the orange zebras are chasing the yellow labs just a bit not bad. I just added the yellow labs 2 days ago. Any advise or help would be appreciated. Thanks

 

Welcome to FishLore!!

I don't keep cichlids but I'm sure someone will be along who can answer your question.

Just wanted to say hi.

 

The only problem I see is in the future the zebra and the yellow might crossbreed. It is also better to be overstocked with mbunas to help with aggression. A 1m4f is best

 

HI Cdavenport and welcome to Fishlore.
the only real problem I see is the Dolphin Cichlids or their true name "Cyrtocara Moorii" although this Cichlid is from the same Lake it is a Hap, the rest of what you have are Mbunas. Mbunas are very aggressive and should be kept in a species only tank.
As for the others, I would add another 2 or 3 of each, trying to get to a 1 male to 3 female Ratio. the rusty can handle a couple of males but the others you should try to limit to 1 male per species. this will give the males more females to chase ( because you cannot stop the chasing, it is their nature) but they will not zero in on just one and they will spread the aggression out across the tank more, allowing the females to rest a little.
others you can add with these are
1. Melanochromis johannI
2. Labeotropheus trewavasae
3.Pseudotropheus flavus
4. Cynotilapia afra
5. Metriaclima callainos
just to name a few, you can google those scientific names and get a look at them
to see what peaks your interest.
Good luck, and again welcome to Fishlore.

I also agree with Hero, the labs and Zebras do tend to interbreed.

Tom

 

Thanks so much guys this helps alot

When I go back to the fish store to add more would you advise not getting anymore of the dolphin cichlids?

 

I would strongly advise bagging the Dolphins up and returning them when you go back, then replacing them with an Mbuna species.
Oh, one more thing, we here at Fishlore love Pictures. just sayin'

 

I have moorI in my mbuna set and they have been doing fine. When I did research on the moori, I read that they can handle less aggressive mbunas. Of course they would do better without but as long as there bigger than the mbuna they should be fine

 

The dolphin cichlids are the biggest fish in my tank right now. When I go to get a new supply what should I do about the orange zebras and yellow labs? Get more of each or just stick with what I have?

 

Whether your keeping the Dolphins or not I would still get more Zebras and Labs, this will help spread the aggression out more. in a 150 gl you maybe alright with the Dolphins, I just would not want any newcomer out there to think it is recommended. make sure you have lots of hiding spaces. with Mbunas you can't have to many. the MooriI is a beauty.
good luck.

 

Thanks so much. I definently think after looking at the pictures of the cichlid species listed above that I will introduce the marmalade cat next. I hope my fish store carries this fish.

How about a kenyI can I add this fish to the mix?

 

Kenyi's would work. nice fish

 

Kenyis are very aggressive thou

 

Ok thanks guys trying to keep the peaceful ones as mush as possible any other suggestions besides the marmalade cat?

 

You can get some Acei's or a Cynotilapia species

 

What about a peacock cichlid?

 

Peacock's are a beautiful fish with many species, BUT even as aggressive as they are the Mbunas are more aggressive. it is not recommended to mix Peacocks and Mbunas. they should have a species only tank. Mbunas are a species only tank IMO.

 

Thanks again I am continuing to look up mildy aggressive fish to add to my tank. Maybe I will find something shortly that looks like a fit.

Ok guys I did some research this is what I have came up with please let me know out of these if any I can mix With what I have. Metriclima ob slI'm blueberry,metriclima pearl zebra,psudotrophus socolofi,cynotilapia afra puulu,cynotilapia afra coube,cynotilapia afra lions cove

 

the Cynotilapia species would work, Pseudo also would.
check out this link. it gives many, many different options. you can see what you already have and what can go with them. I apoligize that I haven't left it already.

take some time to really read through it, you will see a lot of different options.
this is half the fun, just deciding what you want.