Will these mbuna hybridise?
I'd like your advice on fish for a 400-litre mbuna set-up please. I'm worried about hybridisation and my question is whether a male will hybridise with other females even if he has females of his own species to breed with. I'm thinking of keeping a group of
Pseudotropheus saulosi alongside a group of P. demasoni but I'm worried there might be conflict or hybridisation risks. What's the safest route for a complete beginner to these cichlids? I've been keeping community fish for five years but mbuna are a new adventure.
HELEN COOK
JEREMY ADVISES:
Unfortunately, there is a definite risk of hybridisation between Pseudotropheus saulosi and demasoni, even if you provided half a dozen females of each to a male. The male’s inky blue vertical markings are just too similar, gorgeous as they are, and they are probably already quite closely related. Researchers have proved that natural hybridisation played a part in the hundreds of species now present in the lake, and I personally had hybridisation occur in mbuna tanks of over 1000 litres in volume.
To try to alleviate this I would choose either P. demasoni or saulosi, then mix with a Labidochromis, Metriaclima, Melanochromis, Labeotropheus,
Cynotilapia, Tropheops species etc., and try to keep the adult colours and patterns contrasting and not too similar. When stocking a mbuna tank I always cycle the filter first, then start with the least aggressive species, such as
Labidochromis caeruleus or Pseudotropheus acei, adding at least two females to one male, and usually just one male of each species.
I use plenty of rockwork, add the mbuna when young and around 5cm in length—they are all less aggressive when juveniles—and add at least six, if not 12 fish in one go. Once you get to 24 fish in total you could add single
Cynotilapia or Pseudotropheus elongatus males, although try to choose species with patterns different to your resident Pseudotropheus.
Feed vegetable-based dry foods, avoid bloodworm, keep the water hard and alkaline, filter well, and ensure there is plenty of oxygen.
Frequent water changes can lower aggression levels in mbuna set-ups by diluting the pheromones in the water.