Stocking decisions for Malawi tank..

[rich16]

So, after many delays, my Malawi tank is cycled and ready to add inhabitants. I am adopting a colony of 15 Melanochromis Cyaneorhabdos (Mainganos), mixed adults and juvies. Coming with them are 2 synodontis mulitpunctata cats.

What would be some good tankmates for these guys? It's a 110 gallon tall tank..48 x 18 footprint. PFS substrate with lots of rock decor / hidey holes.

I was thinking Yellow Labs, and Acei, or potentially Rusties? Maybe Red Zebras.

Would Cyrtocara moorii (blue dolphins) work in this setup?

I was also wondering if I could mix the Mbuna with Haps? I've seen so many mixed opinions on this, it's enough to make one's head spin!

All ideas and opinions gladly accepted!

[-DC-]

Assuming your rock work is sufficient then you could mix any fish you mentioned, and in decent number's

The trick to avoid deaths is simple heavy heavy rockwork and avoid species that match in color. Like EBJ/mandingo/interuptus for example males all look too much alike so you risk breakouts over territory and females.

I dont suggest 2 breeding groups, go with 3-4 groups or solo group you when you start mixing you'll want a nice number of dominate males of different color's, more males of various species stops one fish from targeting another too death and those who try end up broken up by another male before anyone get's too badly hurt.

If your new too Mbuna then i suggest starting with Mbuna only, Some Hap's don't do well with Mbuna can be very hit and miss same for moorii ,I find they are too timid for most Mbuna.