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I'm fish sitting for a 55 gal tank with 6 african cichlids and a pleco. All the cichlids are about 3"-4" and the pleco's about 14".

I went on vacation this weekend and came back to find that the fish were busy while I was away. I have a baby mbuna now. My parents found him swimming by the rockwork and put him in a breeding container to separate him from the rest of the tank so he wouldn't be eaten.

I have very little experience with cichlids, especially breeding.. just learning as I go and reading as much as I can. I don't want the new fish to be eaten by the others.. especially since the smallest fish in the tank is about 3". How fast do they grow, and when would I know if I can introduce him into a tank (not necessarily the one he's in now)? He's less than 1/2" now. Is it ok that he's separated from the mother / father? (Though they don't seem to be taking an interest in the little guy anyhow.)

Any suggestions would be appreciated!

how long where u gone thats a good size. i would say put him in a ten gallon by him self and place a few feeder guppies... if you feed those to them already... to chase a eat. he'll grow fast if he has a enough room.10 gallons would be really good and should grow in no time

I was gone for 4 days.. the day after I left they found the fish. I haven't fed the cichlids live fish before.. bloodworms occasionally.

He'll be moving into the 10 gallon soon.. he's doing pretty well so far, I think.

[span class="edited"][Edited by 2004-08-23 21:55][/span]