Lake Malawi Species • Way too much time to over think

[Cajen]

Kool
Set on the 55g Mbuna tank then. Now if I could get set for my 29g Tang tank

[magic10]

Cynotilapia sp. "hara" 1m 4f
Rusties 1m/4f
Msobo 1m/6f(females are pretty yellowlish-orange

[DJRansome]

While it is true maingano are not too big, they are aggressive. Some fishkeepers have had trouble with them in a 55G.

[Cajen]

I just need a bigger tank!! A 55g by non-enthusiast is big, but I am finding a difficult time stocking it for sure.

DJ, or others, any other suggestions?

I like the Hara, I like the Msobo but I know they are too aggressive, yellow labs are just ok (unless needed for color), love the polit but again too aggressive. Almost seems I am back at square 1. I am looking for color, compatibility, and finality in stocking search

Need help please!,

[magic10]

The yellow tail mbamba and the orange back cobue are pretty mild species in my opinion..I dont you would have a problem with aggression with polit if you have enough females

[DJRansome]

Polit, cobue and yellow labs. That way the polit can be dominant.

[Cajen]

Ok, how does this work out...

Metriaclima sp. Elongatus chaloisi
Cynotilapia sp. Hara
Yellow Lab

Or

Metriaclima sp. Elongatus chaloisi
Cynotilapia sp. Hara
Pseudeotropheus sp. Elongatus Spot Hai Reef Jewel spot

Will either combo work?

[Cajen]

Or...

Metriaclima sp. Elongatus chaloisi
Cynotilapia sp. Hara
Msobo

Pseudeotropheus sp. Elongatus Spot
Cynotilapia sp. Hara
Msobo

[DJRansome]

This one.
Metriaclima sp. Elongatus chaloisi
Cynotilapia sp. Hara
Yellow Lab

[Cajen]

Great! Done. Unlike the last time I raised cichlids, I have a much higher sense of WHY? I "think" that is a good think for mr in the long run... So, I am happy with the choice... But could you, or someone, tell me why this is a good or the best choice of the 4 possibilities?

Thanks!

[magic10]

For one you dont have species that are similar so it might be less aggression but that is depending of the personality of the fish..u have species that are considered omnivores bit my opinion all mbuna are herbivores..so thats a good stocklist so good luck and that will make a pretty tank with them colors!!

[DJRansome]

For one you dont have species that are similar so it might be less aggression

Exactly, and so different in every way (looks, history of genus membership) that the risk of aggression/crossbreeding is the lowest.

Thoughts on the other options:
2-Two species are elongatus and all are barred. Risk higher.
3-Two species are metriaclima. Risk higher.
4-Two species are barred and elongatus appears to occasionally switch to Metriaclima. Risk higher.

[Cajen]

Great, thanks!