gazmiller Posted June 10, 2009 Report Share Posted June 10, 2009 Altolamprologus compressiceps? Just wondering what these cichlids are like to keep and breed? are they a good beginner cichlid? any advise would be appreciated. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EddieSalita Posted June 10, 2009 Report Share Posted June 10, 2009 Hi Gaz, They are a very cool looking fish hey. They arent what most would call a beginner fish. I maintain the altolamprologus species as being rather hardy, so long as some rules are followed. Same with most tanganyikans. However, there are good reasons why tanganyikans are often considered a bit more challenging than malawians. They are not very tolerant of bad water conditions. A good understanding and confidence in Water management and conditions is required to keep any fish successfully. Tangs are just a bit more sensitive to it for the most part. While not that difficult to breed, the fry can sometimes be touchy to raise when very young. As most tanganyikan substrate spawners can be. frys are very small. A better beginner african would be most any of the lake malawi mbunas, or lake victoria cichlids. They are very hardy, and a piece of cake to breed generally, and are much cheaper, so mistakes dont cost as much money. If you can breed and maintain mbuna without any troubles, altos will not be too much more of a challenge. Might just require a little more patience to breed perhaps. Also, the fry grow very very very slowly. so be ready for that. I dont wish to put you off trying at all. If you read and research and learn all you can, then you will gain the confidence required to keep them easily and successfully. You will know when you are ready to have a crack at it and test what you have learned. cheers, Jason Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HereFishieFishie Posted June 10, 2009 Report Share Posted June 10, 2009 What fish have you kept b4? Frenchy :sheep: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gazmiller Posted June 10, 2009 Author Report Share Posted June 10, 2009 Thanks for the info Jason, I might try a few easier species before getting into Comps. To answer your question Frenchy, Since i have just come from Darwin, i have only kept Clown loaches and Angel Fish and i have only bred Blue Acaras. So i am only very new to the Water Quality/ Testing department, so i think i might try what Jason said and stick to the more hardier species. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
HereFishieFishie Posted June 10, 2009 Report Share Posted June 10, 2009 Hit the mbunas then. Frenchy :sheep: Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gazmiller Posted June 10, 2009 Author Report Share Posted June 10, 2009 Will do, What are some good mbuna cichlids to start with? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Peter Posted June 10, 2009 Report Share Posted June 10, 2009 Gaz Can't go past 6 of my 3-5cm electric yellows combined with 6 of my 3-4cm acei (msuli pt variety -blue with yellow tail). Very, very cheap and I'm very,very close and I'm very, very happy to talk you through how I raise and look after them. I'll pm my contact details if you're interested What size tank/s are you keeping?? Regards Peter Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
gazmiller Posted June 10, 2009 Author Report Share Posted June 10, 2009 I have a 4 foot and a 2 foot coming from darwin and i am buying another 4 foot tomorrow. The fish i have so far are 2 pairs of blue acaras, 5 clown loaches, 2 Angel fish and a barra Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
EddieSalita Posted June 10, 2009 Report Share Posted June 10, 2009 Sounds like a great offer Peter. What better way to learn about it than face to face with someone who knows plenty. great stuff! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
