Steatocrannus irvinei and N. Multis

[dogginfox]

could i put Steatocrannus irvinei and N. Multi in the same 55g tank? i have fry in the Steatocrannus irvinei tank that are as big if not smaller than the multis and they dont get picked on, i want to have Cyprichromis, N. Multis, and Steatocrannus irvinei all in the same tank if it will work.

 

[Randall]

Steatocranus irinei

Dear Dogginfox,

Will you give us the full scientific name of N. multi(s), please?

Thanks!

Randall Kohn

 

[dogginfox]

Sorry

Neolamprologus multifasciatus

 

[Randall]

Steatocranus irvinei Mix

Dear Dogginfox,

What is your name, please?

Steatocranus irvinei is from the Volta River system in Ghana where the water is harder and more alkaline than that associated with forestal and savannah biotopes in western Africa. Your Lake Tanganyika cichlids, however, probably prefer very hard and alkaline water.

If you've had success keeping all three species in the same water, then I don't think there will be compatibility issues, providing the tank is large enough (i.e., 55 gallons or more). Steatocranus ivinei can be a pretty formidable fish.

Good luck!

Randall Kohn

 

[Fogelhund]

As fry, I think the mix could work (if the irvinei are ok with the water parameters). As breeding adults, I suspect that the multifasciatus, and particularly the Cyprichromis would have a pretty hard time. A friend bred the irvinei many years ago, and I would be worried that you might end up with just a pair of irvinei. You've got a pair breeding, so perhap throw in a couple of danios with them, and see what happens. If they get taken out in short order, then I wouldn't risk your other fish.