mixing mbuna

[janiel]

Hi Pam,

Thank you for all of your great advice! I am still working on rehoming my albinos-- and they seem to be P. socolofi "Snow White" not zebras! I have been trying to educate myself more on cichlids, and recently found something mentioning that red jewel cichlids can be mixed with mbuna??? From what I have read, they seem to have different water requirements and different diets... Is this suggestion off base, or is it possible to have a happy tank with both?

thanks as always!

[Pam Chin]

Hi Janiel,

I don't like to mix fish from two different areas for the exact reasons that you have mentioned; water conditions and diet. Although a jewel Cichlid (Hemichromis sp.) is quite hearty and it would probably survive, but it would not be in the optimum conditions. I think as a responsible hobbyist we should strive to give our fish the best of everything. Fish that are found together naturally and that don't compete for the same area of the tank are you best choices for a peaceful cohesive tank. Sounds complicated, but just a little research will help you make those choices. If you have any questions about how other Malawi fish would fit into your tank. Just drop me a line!

Cichlid Power!
Pam