"Christopher Kollmann" wrote in message
.. .
Interesting. Thank you for the information. I had not realized that
socolofi got that big. Boy, it seems like everything I read about
cichlids is later contradicted by someone else (seen today on
cichlidtank.com: Pseudotropheus demasoni described as "moderately
peaceful," which is not what I've read at all). Maybe C. afra is the
way to go, if I can find them around here. I know you recommended
against Pseudotropheus, but what about Pseudotropheus acei? From what
I've read, they are supposedly fairly peaceful, but I'm beginning to
wonder about the accuracy of my sources. Do you think they would be a
good fit for this tank?

Thanks for all your help.

Chris

Chris,
As for the differing opinions, you'll find them not only online, but
also in some of the more trusted books out there. From reading online, in
books and personal experience, P. demasoni are anything but peaceful. They
are very pretty though. For the P. socolofi and their ability to get larger
than normal in tanks, that comes from Ad Konings and "Malawi Cichlids in
their natural habitat".
The P. acei if you get the species from Ngara are fairly peaceful. That
much I agree with.
They are found in the lake in a sandy area where a lot of trees are fallen
in the water or overhang the water. They form a large community there as
opposed to guarding a specific area. They were the most peaceful
Pseudotropheus I've owned. I can't speak for some of the other acei species
I've seen, because I've never owned them. I don't know how any of the acei
will react in a 55 gallon. Mine were in a 75 when I had them. There's also
the Iodotropheus sprengerae to consider.
Tim
www.fishaholics.org