if you can maybe give a little more information about your setup (size, water conditions, decorations and rocks, and filteration) then perhaps we can give you a little more help.
yellow labs generally aren't too aggressive but zebras are known to be a bit nasty on occasion.
Also, the Jack Dempseys are central american species of cichlid and usually don't do well in a malawi type setup due to differing needs in terms of water conditions and feeding. I actually have a south american Green Terror in with a bunch of malawis and he has been doing fine for 4 months now... but the general rule of thumb is try not to mix cichlids from different regions.
As far as aggression goes, all cichlids are aggressive by nature to various extents depending on the species. In my experience, I have found the best way to 'control' the aggression is to provide ample hiding places by using lots of rocks and caves. This also emulates their natural 'wild' habitat more closely and makes them feel more at ease and generally calmer.
Another trick used by many cichlid keepers is overstocking. Adding a larger population of malawis (provided your tank is big enough) can help limit the amount of serious dammage inflicted on fish from fights as their too many 'victims' for the aggressor to choose from. BUT remember, more fish = more waste and heavier bio-load. So your filteration needs needs to be adequate to support the larger population.
I've also found that keeping an optimum steady temperature, good water (routine maintenance) and good feeding habits tend to keep the tank calmer and less aggressive. A lack of food can also lead to raised aggression in cichlids as they begin to compete for the scarce nutrients. This said, remember that you should not overfeed either. Rather feed smaller amounts more regularly. Your cichlids should not be starving but should always appear HUNGRY.
The last factor to consider would be stocking. If the trouble with aggression persists, you may need to consider removing the naughty fish or fishes from your tank altogether and perhaps checking out the male/female ratios. Male cichlids are territorial and also tend to compete for mates. It's generally advised (if you want to keep males and females together) that you try to keep at least 2-3 females per male of a species.
In summary: :roll:
- Good water conditions and routine maintenance
- Regular and sufficient feeding
- Consider your stocking and types of cichlids kept as well as male/female ratios.
- Try to keep to cichlids from the same region
- Ensure plenty of hiding places and a tank decor that is similar to their natural environment
- Overstocking might help, but requires better filtration
- Keep a suitable and STEADY temperature (too high and they get overactive and generally more aggressive. Too low and they may not be too happy.
Not sure if there is anything that I left out, but try to give more info about your setup and we can be more specific...
Good luck! :thumb:
yellow labs generally aren't too aggressive but zebras are known to be a bit nasty on occasion.
Also, the Jack Dempseys are central american species of cichlid and usually don't do well in a malawi type setup due to differing needs in terms of water conditions and feeding. I actually have a south american Green Terror in with a bunch of malawis and he has been doing fine for 4 months now... but the general rule of thumb is try not to mix cichlids from different regions.
As far as aggression goes, all cichlids are aggressive by nature to various extents depending on the species. In my experience, I have found the best way to 'control' the aggression is to provide ample hiding places by using lots of rocks and caves. This also emulates their natural 'wild' habitat more closely and makes them feel more at ease and generally calmer.
Another trick used by many cichlid keepers is overstocking. Adding a larger population of malawis (provided your tank is big enough) can help limit the amount of serious dammage inflicted on fish from fights as their too many 'victims' for the aggressor to choose from. BUT remember, more fish = more waste and heavier bio-load. So your filteration needs needs to be adequate to support the larger population.
I've also found that keeping an optimum steady temperature, good water (routine maintenance) and good feeding habits tend to keep the tank calmer and less aggressive. A lack of food can also lead to raised aggression in cichlids as they begin to compete for the scarce nutrients. This said, remember that you should not overfeed either. Rather feed smaller amounts more regularly. Your cichlids should not be starving but should always appear HUNGRY.
The last factor to consider would be stocking. If the trouble with aggression persists, you may need to consider removing the naughty fish or fishes from your tank altogether and perhaps checking out the male/female ratios. Male cichlids are territorial and also tend to compete for mates. It's generally advised (if you want to keep males and females together) that you try to keep at least 2-3 females per male of a species.
In summary: :roll:
- Good water conditions and routine maintenance
- Regular and sufficient feeding
- Consider your stocking and types of cichlids kept as well as male/female ratios.
- Try to keep to cichlids from the same region
- Ensure plenty of hiding places and a tank decor that is similar to their natural environment
- Overstocking might help, but requires better filtration
- Keep a suitable and STEADY temperature (too high and they get overactive and generally more aggressive. Too low and they may not be too happy.
Not sure if there is anything that I left out, but try to give more info about your setup and we can be more specific...
Good luck! :thumb: