Hi all,
Was recently given a 29 gallon/110 litre tank by some friends and am thinking about putting some Lake Malawi Cichlids in it. I was just wondering if you could recommend me as to what species I should consider. I would prefer having at least 2 different species but a tank with one species I am fine with. Would be very grateful if you could respond with some guidance.
Kind Regards,
Blakers
Lake Malawi Species • What Lake Malawi Cichlids should I get for 29 gal?
Moderators: Chester B, DJRansome
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Re: What Lake Malawi Cichlids should I get for 29 gal?
The tank is 30" long and really too short for Malawi cichlids. They are better in tanks that are 48" long or longer.
The only species I would even consider is Chindongo saulosi (formerly Pseudotropheus saulosi) as single species. The males and females are 2 different colors, so while not two species, you get two different looks
The only species I would even consider is Chindongo saulosi (formerly Pseudotropheus saulosi) as single species. The males and females are 2 different colors, so while not two species, you get two different looks
125G Borleyi, Multipunctata
75G Demasoni, Msobo, Lucipinnis
75G Calvus, Similis, Petricola
75G Demasoni, Msobo, Lucipinnis
75G Calvus, Similis, Petricola
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DJRansome - Global Moderator
- Joined: Sat Oct 29, 2005 8:30 am
- Location: Little Egg Harbor, NJ
Re: What Lake Malawi Cichlids should I get for 29 gal?
Personally I would never attempt any Malawi Cichlid in anything smaller than a 48" 55 gallon. Look into Tangyanika shell dwellers.
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- Mudkicker1
- Joined: Mon Aug 05, 2013 9:14 pm
- Location: Montreal
Re: What Lake Malawi Cichlids should I get for 29 gal?
Ok. In my opinion, some mbuna could work if kept under EXTREME supervision. I would stick to smaller species such as demensoni and kenyi. I do agree with mudkicker about the shell dwellers, but I personally find shellys boring. If you do Mbuna cichlids, watch their health to make sure they are not stunted as far as growth. I think your best option with your sized tank is to set up a nice community tank though. If you like aggressive fish, I would go with tiger barbs, pea puffers, or Bettas. Bettas get a bad rep, but a large betta tank with one male and a couple females is stunning and arguably more colorful than a Cichlid tank if planted and done right. Again, cichlids could work but are definitely not your best option.
75 gallon Mbuna and Victorian tank (also contains cats and venustus)
5 gallon fry tank
165 gallon turtle pond
Just your average fish keeper tryin to avoid turtle disaster.
Ok I’m done now.
5 gallon fry tank
165 gallon turtle pond
Just your average fish keeper tryin to avoid turtle disaster.
Ok I’m done now.
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GuitarShark - Joined: Tue May 28, 2019 4:07 pm
- Location: America
Re: What Lake Malawi Cichlids should I get for 29 gal?
I prefer a 48x18 tank or larger for an aggressive mbuna like kenyi.
125G Borleyi, Multipunctata
75G Demasoni, Msobo, Lucipinnis
75G Calvus, Similis, Petricola
75G Demasoni, Msobo, Lucipinnis
75G Calvus, Similis, Petricola
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DJRansome - Global Moderator
- Joined: Sat Oct 29, 2005 8:30 am
- Location: Little Egg Harbor, NJ
Re: What Lake Malawi Cichlids should I get for 29 gal?
29 gallon is a fry- growout tank for Malawians. A member did have a C. Saulosi colony in a 29 for a bit, but not sure on the long term.
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Iggy Newcastle - Moderator
- Joined: Tue May 15, 2012 6:04 pm
- Location: Chicagoland
Re: What Lake Malawi Cichlids should I get for 29 gal?
Mudkicker1 wrote:Personally I would never attempt any Malawi Cichlid in anything smaller than a 48" 55 gallon. Look into Tangyanika shell dwellers.
This! I love shellies! All the personality of Mbuna at a fraction of the size.
DJRansome wrote:I prefer a 48x18 tank or larger for an aggressive mbuna like kenyi.
And this. Kenyi are mean little buggers!

Dan
- leftover710
- Joined: Thu Feb 06, 2020 1:53 am
- Location: Idaho
Re: What Lake Malawi Cichlids should I get for 29 gal?
Aren't Kenyi fairly large species for mbuna????
- jcover
- Joined: Thu Apr 17, 2014 10:55 pm
- Location: Canada
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