picking stock for a Hap tank

[feline scully]

Hi Pam!
I'm in the process of setting up a 120gallon tank and want it to be a Hap tank. I already have a small mbuna tank so would like to try my hand at Haps. The species I am concidering are Aulonocara Maleri, Placidochromis electra or phenochilus, Protomelas taeniolatus "red empress", and Otopharynx lithobates. I'd also like a group of Labidochromis hongi or kimpuna since I've read that they might suit a hap tank despite being mbuna (I just love Labs). What are your thoughts on how these get along? How possible is crossbeeding?
With the female all looking similar, it sounds like it will be hard to separate which is which once they are all in the same tank. I believe the otopharynx females still have the three spots on the sides and the maleri female have a little more color than most other female Haps, but what about the rest. Do they usually have different patterns or other differences to tell them apart?
Thanx
-Holly

[Pam Chin]

Hi Holly,

There is a high possibility that they will cross breed, and it can be difficult to breed multiple species in one tank. They will expend most of their energy competing over all the females and aggression can be higher. And when it comes time to try and catch a holding female, you will have to tear the tank down. You may want to consider a male only tank, where you will have lots of color and lots of show type specimens, instead of half your fish being a nice battleship grey. And remember it is the female who picks the male.

If your interest is really set on breeding, then I would suggest a larger group of just one species. And then you could do a group of Labs with them, or Cynotilapia sp. also mix well with hap types.

You tank is a great size, and haps will fill it nicely.