[baza]

hi

I know that most people say that you have to get at least 12 of these fish at one time. I want to know if anyone has succesfully purchased only two or three and had them survive and spawn. in my case I have a 750 Litre tank which currently has a divider in it. I want too know what are the chances of getting two or three of these fish in my tank with stacks of rocks and getting them to spawn. Anyone got any ideas/experience with a similar situation

thanks

 

[noki]

Sure they may spawn short term but it seems that most people end up with only one fish after a while.

If you are talking about only 2 or 3 fish overall in the tank, that is bad for all Mbuna. You need population density to make a community, somewhat crowded group is best. The rocks are not really an issue, the idea that a few fish will hide for their lives doesn't really work and makes a poor tank. The fish are not stupid, they will figure out where the other fish are, that is why you need a crowded tank to provide distraction and spread out aggression.

 

[baza]

hi

nar mate the tank has several other mbuna species i was just wondering if in a tank this size two or three demasoni would be successful in amongst all the other fish.

 

[DJRansome]

My experience was even when I had 9 Demasoni among 40 other mbuna, they picked each other off one by one. I truly believe you need 12 or more in 55G and less and 15 or more in larger tanks.

There are always exceptions and it can work for the first year of their lives to have less fish.

 

[mollysgood]

It is possible. I started with 6 demasoni in a 20gal long tank & ended up with a colony of about 50. The key is in the beginning is have hiding places for each fish & make sure the openings are small enough only for the individual fish to get into. It helps if the sizes of the demasoni very. It can work but I don't really recommend this method. Starting with a large group is the best method & what is nice once they are breeding is you don't have to pull out the holding females because in my experience the conlony won't eat the young. It's cool to have all different sizes living together.

 

[Aura]

I had success with only five (adults) for a long time. I got lucky, I know, but after they started spawning, I eventually grew out the fry and now have more than I ever wanted.

I also have four together in a very crowded 55 gallon. They had bad bars, so I put them in to take their chances. That was several months ago and they are still there. These aren't full grown yet.

Like mollysgood, I don't recommend it from all of the horror stories others have with these fish!