Stocking African Cichlids At Different Sizes?

[Sean Casey]

Hi everyone, quick question about African Cichlid stocking. In my 55 gallon, I was planning on buying a few 2-3” males to be sure I could have some color right away, combined with 10-15 unsexed juveniles. My question is, will those males that are already bigger than the unsexed be likely to be aggressive and eat the unsexed Africans? Do Africans need to all be stocked at the same size, or is this just a craps shoot? Any other input on Africans in a 55 gallon will be super welcomed, thank you!

 

[Demeter]

So long as the larger fish are not species that eat other fish (mainly haps like ahlis, livingstonii etc) then you should be ok. The rule is so long as the smallest fish cannot fit inside the largest fish’s mouth you are good.

 

[Sean Casey]

So long as the larger fish are not species that eat other fish (mainly haps like ahlis, livingstonii etc) then you should be ok. The rule is so long as the smallest fish cannot fit inside the largest fish’s mouth you are good.

Good to hear that, I have no plans to keep Haps, I’m looking for primarily a Peacock tank.

 

[Demeter]

Ahh then you should be alright, peacocks aren’t too aggressive nor do they have a craving for fish.