Bichir with rift lake cichlids

[spitz006]

I have a retropinnis bichir who is extremely non-predatory. I've had him for years with all kinds of small fish. I want to change things around and keep rift lake cichlids because I love that bright blue color.

I have heard mbuna will bully bichir so I know I can't do them. What about tanganyikans such as neolamprologus or frontosa?

 

[duanes]

The Retropinnus bichiir comes from neutral to slightly acidic water parameter in west Africa and the Congo River system.
Rift lake cichlids come from higher pH, (8) and hard waters of the Africn rift lakes.
What are your water parameters like?
For common mbuna raised for generations in varying water parameters this may not be significant,
But for some species like Frontosa, or less common Tanganyikans, water parameters may be an issue if not adhered to.

 

[spitz006]

I live in the Grand Rapids Michigan area and have always heard we have perfect rift lake water without needing to add anything. I've never really tested it, but I'm a member of some local aquarium clubs and just listen to what those guys say. That's interesting that the Congo/Ogowe are acidic, I really never knew that.

 

[justintheodd]

I have a similar setup to what you want to do. I have a sengal with a bunch of mbuna's and haps and they leave him alone. it is tricky because some mbuna's are more aggressive than others and sometimes you just get really docile cichlids.

 

[spitz006]

I have a similar setup to what you want to do. I have a sengal with a bunch of mbuna's and haps and they leave him alone. it is tricky because some mbuna's are more aggressive than others and sometimes you just get really docile cichlids.

Oh wow. I have heard that even yellow labs would pick on bichir so mbuna were a no go. That's interesting.