What to do?

[ratbones86]

Hello. Im a new cichlid keeper and i have a question. I have a blue johanni along with 3 peacocks and an albino zebra cichlid in my tank. Right now its a 10 gallon tank, i know i need bigger but im lacked due to space in a few months ill move them to a 75 gallon im getting. but my question is, my blue johanni is attacking one of my peacocks. Im guessing its a dominance thing but im also thinking its because they have about the same body shape and size. Is there a way to stop this in the tank i have now without having to remove any fish? Like i said ill be moving them all in a few months when i move. I just need to know if there is anything i can do now to stop the aggression or curb it for the time being. thanks

[Pam Chin]

Hi Ratbones,

A few months is not going to cut it, a 10 gal tank is just way too small. You need to take these fish back. When you get your new tank, then you can work with African Cichlids. They can be quite aggressive to each other and in that size of tank they are just going to end up killing each other off.

It takes a little research to find the perfect mix to have a peaceful Malawi tank. First off they like to be in groups, so you need 6 - 8 of each species. In a 75 gal tank you can have 4 - 6 different species groups, depending on what you pick. You want to be sure each group has their own area of the tank and that they don't have to compete with the other species. It think it is best to pick the one you like the best and the build your tank around them. I would be glad to help when you get your new tank set up.

Cichlid Power!
Pam