I want a good tank but theres vary few species...

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:

thanks guys and gals... my filter is 330gph i have plenty of surface aggitation and rocks, plants, etc. i have a ph of about 8.4-8.5 right now [is that high?], and i dont know the exact ammonia but its always low to nun as i have algea everyware! i have noticed that the red zebra is the main attacker and the red peacock is the one that looks the worst cause he just chooses not to run. [stubbern fish] and i know i shouldent have dempsys in there but i couldent stop it cause it was either i let my brother flush them or i take them in [ im looking for a home for them] they seem in good condition and happy ...as for salts i have all the required lvls... the bumblee bee's i had were good little fish intel the male was killed and ever since then the female [ i think] has been vary docile and stays at the top of the tank by the wall ware most fish leave her alone. and i have these fish together cause i thought they'd be compatable and the LFS is vary limited to species ,red zebras.yellow labs.red peacocks,kenyi,bumblebee's,jewel cichlids [ i tried them but they had a disease so i took em back],ahli [ i think thats there name] and a coulple more wich ill try to remember and post later...anyway i think the reason there being attacked is cause the others have been in a tank together for a while and there intruding.. before adding the new cichlids i rearanged the tank totally new and acklimated them ..when introduced i watched for about an hour [ lots of vibrating and flashing] then covered the tank wit a cloth to stop them fighting. all help is much appreshiated :thumb:

Please don't flush fish.

If you can't keep them, try to find another home for them or return them to the LFS, even if you have to lose money on them. Flushing is a terrible way to die...

I think you're going to have to totally reconsider your stocking choices. The JD's aren't going to do well in a tank this size once they start to mature, and really shouldn't be housed with the other fish that you have. (One JD can require a tank larger than this for just himself...)

The fish that are hovering at the top of the tank and hiding sound extremely stressed. Stress will lead to illness, and you will continue to have all kinds of problems in the tank until you get the stocking straightened out.

You need to decide whether you want one of each species or would rather have breeding groups...

If you want alot of different species in a tank this size, then you should go all male, and forget about the breeding. You would still have to pick the species carefully, as this tank isn't large enough for many species.

If you're interested in breeding and this is a 3 ft tank as I suspect, then you would need to choose two suitable species and build groups on those species. You'd still have to choose carefully due to tank size limitations.