[SamMag]

What is a fairly medium sized african cichlid that likes to be in colony settings that will thrive in a 75 gallon tank. Since I want fish that hail from the great lakes I posted this in the Lake Malawi species section of this forum as well as this one.

 

[Afishionado]

What's your idea of mediium size? Tropheus comes to mind, and a 75g is starting to be in the right range for them... They're something of a challenge. The colony dynamics require some careful management - it's not a matter of throwing a bunch in and decorating the tank however you please. But they can be well worth the effort. Constant motion - more than my mbuna tank.

 

[triscuit]

First that comes to mind is a brichardi-type cichlid. They're not good tank mates for any other fish, but one pair will colonize a 75 gallon in short oder. You could look at Neolamprologus brichardi, pulcher, marunguensis, helianthus, etc.

There are other options for a community tank featuring a colony of shell dwellers, but they might be a bit smaller than you were looking for.

Next, how about tropheus? Lots of action, large school... might be fun.

Good luck!

 

[SamMag]

How would you guys say that tropheus are a challenge? Also if I wanted to keep whatever fry I prduce in the main tank could I?

 

[SamMag]

How would you guys say that tropheus are a challenge? Also if I wanted to keep whatever fry I prduce in the main tank could I?

 

[thefish]

Browse the Tropheus forum, and read a few articles. I must say though, they are a very rewarding fish.

 

[SamMag]

What price could I fetch at my lfs for one tropheus juvie roughly about an inch long?

 

[Afishionado]

Imo lfs don't pay much for anything. At that size (or slightly larger) $1-$2 per fish max around here (in store credit). That wouldn't stop them from turning around and asking $15 each for them though...

A specialist outfit that knows their stuff and get to know you as a customer might give you $5, especially if you can convince them they were bred from wild-caught fish (easiest to do by showing them a bill or certificate for the wild-caught parents from themselves or a well-known import outfit).

 

[SamMag]

Well where I live most trpoheus sell for 30 dollars that are just over an inch long. So maybe that would raise the price