discussing mbuna cichlids

One of the most controversial species in the hobby, general Cichlid conversation happens here!
Post Reply
dusk92
Posts: 2
Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 3:12 pm

discussing mbuna cichlids

Post by dusk92 »

can mbuna cichlids be kept in a community setup?
beatsby
Posts: 1
Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 9:09 pm

Re: discussing mbuna cichlids

Post by beatsby »

I think cichlids, especially mbuna, have pretty specific water requirements, so you'd need to ensure those parameters are met in a community setup.
User avatar
flarix
Posts: 20
Joined: Thu Feb 17, 2022 5:12 pm

Re: discussing mbuna cichlids

Post by flarix »

Stick with other mbunas, and you'll be fine. Throw them in with your standard tropical crew, tetras and whatnot, and those little guys will get eaten alive. You really want that on your conscience?
User avatar
_Vodnik
Posts: 24
Joined: Sat Jun 11, 2022 8:58 am

Re: discussing mbuna cichlids

Post by _Vodnik »

Honestly, it's a recipe for disaster. Mbuna are naturally aggressive, so they're best kept with their own kind, in a slightly overstocked tank to dilute the aggression. Mixing them with fish from other regions is just asking for trouble - they'll harass them relentlessly.
dusk92
Posts: 2
Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 3:12 pm

Re: discussing mbuna cichlids

Post by dusk92 »

aw that's a shame.

guess that means i need to get another tank then.

my local fish shop said my water is perfect for them, high ph and really hard, so that's a plus. just need to do some more research, i didn't know they were so specific. x
User avatar
flarix
Posts: 20
Joined: Thu Feb 17, 2022 5:12 pm

Re: discussing mbuna cichlids

Post by flarix »

dusk92 wrote: Sun Mar 23, 2025 7:00 pm can mbuna cichlids be kept in a community setup?
I'm with you on that, same water type here and I've been thinking of setting up an Mbuna tank too, high pH and hard water, perfect conditions.
User avatar
foluxe
Posts: 2
Joined: Thu Oct 10, 2024 1:00 am

Re: discussing mbuna cichlids

Post by foluxe »

Mbuna cichlids aren't exactly ideal for a community setup. Their territorial nature and aggressive behavior can make them a handful. You'd also need to be careful when mixing them with other cichlids, so some research is a must before bringing them home.
Post Reply