[gherlevi]

I've finally got my "show" 125 gallon tank up and running. Part of the mix is 18 demasoni, ranging from 2 in. to 1 in.

A generous family member just gave me a m/f sciaenochromis fryeri, with the male about 4.5 in.

Do I have to worry about this guy picking off the smallest demasoni? There's plenty of rockwork, and I'm hoping long term the demasoni will hold their own.

The fryeri are the only non-mbuna in the tank.

 

[Gibbs]

Just keep in mind that in the wild the Fryeri would prey on small mbuna.
If the fish are small enough he may try hunting them. It's only natural

 

[gherlevi]

Exactly... that's the source of my concern.

I'm just trying to figure out what exactly is "small." Baby fry are certain to get munched... what about a 1 in. demasoni?

 

[cichlidaholic]

It's impossible to say, but I wouldn't house 1 inch demasoni with an adult fryeri and take the chance...Have you seen him "yawn" yet? :lol:

Those mouths are pretty big!

Do you have another tank you can keep the fryer in until the demasoni mature a bit?

 

[Gibbs]

Do you have another tank you can keep the fryer in until the demasoni mature a bit?

Or vice versa

 

[gherlevi]

Great advice on the extra tank...

I've got a spare 10 gallon, but that's about it. I've got the fryeri in the tank... we'll see what happens. If I start counting 18 demasoni down to 17, down to 16... I'll nab the culprit and find a new home.

Funny though, within one day of a move into the new 125, one of my yelow labs is already holding. So, maybe those fry will be a distraction!