information on the quiet jewel cichlid

[floriana]

I've got a Jewel Cichlid in my 75g with two severums and 3 rescue viejas. Today she nearly took down one of the viejas, so I knew I had to act fast.

She's only about 4 inches, but that's clearly not a problem for her. I decided to move her to the Mbuna tank, which I know isn't ideal due to the different water parameters. However, the pH is pretty close in both tanks, so I figured it was worth a shot. I did a drip acclimation to account for the 0.6 pH difference.

My Mbuna are all 5+ inches, so I was waiting for a fight to break out when I introduced her. But instead, she just swam away and they went back to their business. Now she's swimming with them, and so far, no violence. I guess you could say I've tamed the beast.

I'll be keeping a close eye on them to make sure everything stays peaceful. If it doesn't work out, I'll have to set up a 6th tank.

[kaido9]

I got a bad feeling about this, the Mbunas might not even flinch if it can take down a Vieja, but they're just as likely to turn on her the moment she steps into their territory - could be a bloodbath waiting to happen.

[drift42]

I thought things had settled down in your 75g tank. I've had some experience with Jewel Cichlids at my local fish store, they never seemed aggressive, but now I'm having second thoughts about getting one. Taking out Viejas is no joke, that's some intense aggression.

[floriana]

Things have escalated in the Mbuna tank - my 6-inch Socolofi isn't having it. After some lip locking and a tail slap, the Jewel Cichlid has backed down, and the Socolofi has gone about her business as usual.

From my research, I've found numerous instances of Jewels being successfully kept in Mbuna tanks. Also, for context, the Vieja the Jewel attacked was a juvenile, only 3 inches.

I'll continue to monitor the situation - so far, no nipped fins, just some territorial swatting. If things don't calm down, which I expect they will, I'll set up a 30g tank for the Jewel to live alone.

[floriana]

I've just checked in on the Mbuna tank, and I'm relieved to see that the Jewel's settling in nicely. The community's dynamic is quite different from the 75g - it's more of a 'we're in this together' vibe. Initially, the Jewel tried to exert dominance over my Socolofi, making several passes, but the others weren't having it. Before I knew it, three Mbuna had cornered her, ready to put her in her place. After a few rounds of posturing (luckily, no one got hurt), the Jewel seems to have decided to submit to the tank's harmony. For now, it's peaceful coexistence, and I'm cautiously optimistic.

[kalevi]

Be cautious with those Mbuna, especially if you're introducing Saulosi soon - they can turn feisty when breeding. Glad to see things are going smoothly for now though.

[floriana]

I'm no stranger to aggression in a Cichlid tank - it's par for the course, especially with Mbuna. What I draw the line at is a fish that's a menace to others, and the Jewel's lucky I'm not tempted to make her an unscheduled meal for my cat.

Still, I'm cautiously optimistic. I've read plenty of accounts from people who've successfully kept Jewels with Mbuna, and I'm keeping a close eye on the situation. I've got a backup plan in place, just in case - a spare tank where the Jewel can go if she can't learn to play nice. For now, I'm hoping she'll settle down and learn to cohabitate.

[floriana]

Just an update for anyone interested - the Mbuna tank has finally simmered down. I'm not posting this to prove a point, but rather to share my experience. It's all about the individual fish, and I was lucky this worked out for me.

The Jewel's finally in her place, and I have to admit, I'm a bit relieved. I hate that she got beat up - she's my favorite, after all - but I needed to tame her. I just can't keep setting up new tanks every time a fish decides to get rowdy. My three Mbuna are doing great, not a single ding or scratch on them. My poor Jewel, on the other hand, has some scrapes around her mouth, a slight nip in her tail, and a missing scale.

I'm a bit down about it, but the Vieja I'm trying to nurse back to health is in much worse shape. I've moved him to a 10g tank and I'm treating his wounds, but I'm not optimistic. His tail is half gone, and he's missing a ton of scales. I'm going to do everything I can to save him, but I'm not holding my breath.

As for the Jewel, yeah, it sucks she got beat up, but I think I would too if I didn't even get a hit in. My Mbuna are a tight-knit group, and they defended each other when the Jewel messed with Big Blue, their leader. Now the Jewel's swimming with them, and she seems to have accepted her role as the underdog.

I've posted some pics of the Vieja - if anyone has any ideas on how to help the little guy, please let me know.

[kalevi]

I'm starting to think the Jewel's got a bit of a mean streak. I mean, taking down a Vieja's no joke, especially when they're already small.

[floriana]

Yeah, my Jewel's got a crazy side, that's for sure. I figured the Mbuna could handle her, they're bigger and all. Plus, I've done my research, seen it work out for others with Jewels and Mbuna. She's got some battle scars now, but they're all swimming together, seems like she's finally found her place.