FishProfiles.com Message Forums

Hello

Can anyone tell me about the above fish. I saw one in LFS & it looked pretty. Any info about potential size, fish personality, etc. would be greatfully accepted.

Cheers
TW

If you want you can check this site. They usually have informative species articles and numerous pictures.

http://www.cichlid-forum.com/profiles/species.php?id=756

Melanochromis maingano (or cyaneorhabdos), also known as a johannii (though there is another, very similar cichlid also known by this name, melanochromis johannii) is a malawi mbuna, or rock dweller, which you may already know. It's one of the smaller mbuna, maxing out at about 4-5" usually, but don't let that fool you - it's a very aggressive little fish. Males in particular have a tendency to become hyper-dominant and stake out large sections of territory in a tank, so it's best not to keep them in anything under 55 gallons, and even then be careful mixing them with other species. Like all mbuna, these fish prefer to be kept in harems with one male to at least 3 females (never keep more than one male together, and avoid keeping different melanochromis species together as well). They are mostly herbivorous and prefer rocky aquascapes, hard water and high ph.

Basically, because of their temperaments (which can vary from fish to fish as well), they can be on the difficult side to keep but in the right set-up they are an awesome fish to have - very attractive and, in my experience, great personality. I've had a johannii in my mbuna tank for nearly 5 years now, he is my oldest and without a doubt my favourite fish. He is very territorial but rarely causes injuries to other fish, but he is quite obviously the king of the tank and the others give him and his territory a wide berth!

The only way to get rid of a temptation is to yield to it. - Oscar Wilde

thanks

Thanks for the link, openwater. It looks like a really useful one.

just beginning, it sounds like you wouldn't recommend him in my tank then. It is my 2nd tank (the larger one being the community tank). This tank is only 20G & is just going to be a one species tank. Because I would like cichlid's, I have it set up with rocky caves etc. Trying to decide which cichlid I want. In the meantime, I have 5 guppies in it, while the tank is cycling.

If I had one male & 3 females, so he's happy with his little harem, would it still be too small. My LFS would take any fry from me, so that I wouldn't let the tank get any more crowded than with only the original 3.

Thanks for your help.

Cheers
TW

Yes, unfortunately a 20 gallon is too small for any mbuna, even one. A 30 gallon is an absolute minimum IMO, and even then you would have to go for one of the more placid species such as electric yellows. In a 20 gallon you should consider a colony of Tanganyikan shelldwellers, not as colourful as mbuna but with fantastic personalities and behaviour. Or (someone correct me if I'm wrong please, because Tanganyikan's aren't my strong point) I think you could keep julidochromis in that tank, they are very attractive.

The only way to get rid of a temptation is to yield to it. - Oscar Wilde