Yellow Labs and Blue Zebras

[A. Scott]

At my LFS, these two cichlids look so colorful and vibrant and would
make a really nice addition to my tank. I'm just wondering if anyone
has any experience with their aggression levels. I know that as
cichlids they are less-community firendly, but I've seen a number of
posts about other non-community fish doing just fine.

Tank scenario: 12 gal, 2 current residents: 1-albino barb and 1-rosey
barb. PH etc suitable for the lab and zebra.

Was thinking of adding 1-2 of each (lab and zebra) to finish out the
tank. I realize I may end up losing the barbs in the process, but
would like the chance to try this out. How bad an idea is this?

Thanks!

[Rick]

"A. Scott" > wrote in message
...
> At my LFS, these two cichlids look so colorful and vibrant and would
> make a really nice addition to my tank. I'm just wondering if anyone
> has any experience with their aggression levels. I know that as
> cichlids they are less-community firendly, but I've seen a number of
> posts about other non-community fish doing just fine.
>
> Tank scenario: 12 gal, 2 current residents: 1-albino barb and 1-rosey
> barb. PH etc suitable for the lab and zebra.
>
> Was thinking of adding 1-2 of each (lab and zebra) to finish out the
> tank. I realize I may end up losing the barbs in the process, but
> would like the chance to try this out. How bad an idea is this?
>
> Thanks!


I have had both in my tanks however the key is larger tanks, with a lot more
fish. Each of these fish are going to get to be about 5" so in the end your
12 gallon tank is not going to be big enough for them. The Zebra's in
particular the male if you have one will become aggressive , especially in
the small tank. If you can find some pseudotropheus kingsizei you might like
them. Much small Mbunas, actually the smallest and the male develops very
nice blue coloration.

Rick

[Paul]

A. Scott wrote in message >...
>At my LFS, these two cichlids look so colorful and vibrant and would
>make a really nice addition to my tank. I'm just wondering if anyone
>has any experience with their aggression levels. I know that as
>cichlids they are less-community firendly, but I've seen a number of
>posts about other non-community fish doing just fine.
>
>Tank scenario: 12 gal, 2 current residents: 1-albino barb and 1-rosey
>barb. PH etc suitable for the lab and zebra.
>
>Was thinking of adding 1-2 of each (lab and zebra) to finish out the
>tank. I realize I may end up losing the barbs in the process, but
>would like the chance to try this out. How bad an idea is this?
>
>Thanks!

don't go getting a male and female pair of yellow labs, the males are
notorious for hassling the female to death.

[Phil]

neither are suited to a tank so small, I wouldn't put yellows in less than a
three footer and zebs in less than a four footer, they will just fight to
the death until there is only one, probably messed up, male left.
if you get females for either of these fish you need at least 2 for each
male to share the violence and give each other a break from him.
You could look at kribs, julidochromis, shell dwellers or some rams or some
kind of apisto but you would most likley see your existing fish dead,
especially should you find yourself with a pair who try to breed
apisto's would also need the water a lot softer and a lower pH than what the
others would need (or tolerate)