How many African cichlids can you have in 75 gallon?

Quick answer

The recommended number of African cichlids for a 75 gallon aquarium is between 15-25 fish depending on species. A good rule of thumb is 1 inch of adult fish per 2-3 gallons of water. African cichlids should be kept in groups of 5-7 of the same species. Mixing too many species can lead to aggression. Provide plenty of rocks and hides to break up territories.

Stocking considerations

When stocking African cichlids in a 75 gallon aquarium, there are several factors to consider:

Tank size

A 75 gallon tank provides ample room for a sizable African cichlid community. The large footprint allows for more swimming space and territory than smaller tanks. This helps diffuse aggression. Still, caution is needed not to overstock.

Species

African cichlids come from the three Great Lakes of Africa – Lake Malawi, Lake Tanganyika, and Lake Victoria. Each lake has distinct species with different behaviors and needs. Do not mix cichlids from different lakes. Stick to one type for compatibility. Lake Malawi species are generally the most tolerant tankmates.

Temperament

African cichlids can be highly aggressive, especially males when spawning. Choose less aggressive species like Yellow labs, Rusties, and Kenyi cichlids. Avoid very aggressive mbuna like Auratus, Bumblebee, and Kenyi cichlids in a community tank.

Size

Pay attention to the adult size of cichlids when stocking. Large and extra-large species will limit numbers. Small and medium fish under 6 inches allow for greater density. Combine both for diversity.

Gender ratio

For non-pairing species like mbuna, stock 1 male to every 3-4 females. For pairing species like peacocks, 1 male can be kept with 2-3 females. This helps diffuse male aggression. Avoid keeping multiple males of the same species unless the tank is very large.

Rocks and caves

African cichlids are rock-dwelling fish that need plenty of rocks and caves. This allows fish to establish distinct territories and prevents aggression. Stack rocks to form caves and overhangs.

Stocking suggestions

Here are some suggested combinations for stocking African cichlids in a 75 gallon tank:

All male peacock/hap cichlid tank

– 1 Altolamprologus Calvus or Compressiceps (dwarf cichlid)
– 6-8 peacock cichlids like Aulonocara (assorted species)
– 6-8 haplochromis like Protomelas, Placidochromis, Copadichromis (assorted species)

The all male hap and peacock community is brightly colored but less aggressive than mbuna. Territorial battles will still occur. Break up sight lines with rocks and caves.

Mbuna community

– 12-15 mbuna cichlids
– 6 Labidochromis caeruleus (Yellow labs)
– 3 Metriaclima lombardoi (Kenyi cichlid)
– 3 Pseudotropheus socolofi (Pindani)
– 3 Melanochromis cyaneorhabdos (Maingano)
– 3 Labeotropheus fuelleborni (OB zebra cichlid)

Mbuna are active and aggressive. Stock mostly females. Provide plenty of rocks. Do not keep conspecific males together. Kenyi cichlids may need removal if aggressive.

Haplochromis/Peacock mix

– 5-6 male peacocks (Aulonocara)
– 6-8 female haplochromis like Protomelas, Placidochromis
– 6 Synodontis catfish
– 6 Cyprichromis leptosoma (Cyps)

This mix provides color variety while limiting aggression. The synodontis catfish help diffuse aggression on the substrate. Cyprichromis school at the top level.

Lake Tanganyika community

– 6 Neolamprologus brevis
– 6 Telmatochromis vittatus
– 6 Julidochromistranscriptus
– 6 Callochromis pleurospilus
– 6 Cyprichromis microlepidotus
– 6 Synodontis petricola

Tanganyikan cichlids can work well together when properly stocked. Mix sand dwellers, rock dwellers, and open water fish. Keep conspecific ratios 1M:4F or less.

Tank setup

To successfully keep African cichlids, the tank should be set up to meet their needs:

Filtration

African cichlids have a heavy bioload so filtration should be oversized. Use a large canister filter or sump system rated for at least a 125 gallon tank.

Heater and temperature

Maintain water temperature between 76-82°F. Use a 200-300 watt heater.

Substrate

Pool filter sand or aragonite sand simulates their natural habitat. Sand size 1-2mm allows waste to settle on top for easy siphoning.

Rocks

Pile smooth rocks and driftwood to create territories and line of sight breaks. Sandstone, limestone and lava rocks work well.

Decorations

Keep decorations simple. African cichlids prefer an open swimming area. A backdrop helps provide depth.

Lighting

Moderate lighting brings out coloration best. Use LED or T5 HO fluorescent lights. Keep lights on 10-12 hours per day.

Water parameters

Maintain water quality with 30-40% weekly water changes. Test for:

– Temperature: 76-82°F
– pH: 7.8-8.6
– KH: 10-15 dKH
– General Hardness: 10-20 dGH

Diet and feeding

African cichlids are primarily herbivores and omnivores in the wild. Provide a varied diet:

Flake and pellet

High quality cichlid flakes and pellets should form the staple diet. Feed 1-2 times per day.

Vegetables

Spirulina algae, seaweed, spinach, zucchini offer nutrients. Blanche vegetables before feeding.

Freeze dried/frozen

Frozen brine shrimp, mysis shrimp, bloodworms give variation 1-2 times per week. Soak before feeding.

Herbivore pellets

Sinking veggie/algae pellets supplement plant matter for herbivores. Use 1-2 times per week.

Soak all dried foods before feeding. Feed only what they can consume within 2 minutes, 1-2 times daily. Vary diet for health.

Tank maintenance

Water changes

Perform 30-40% water changes weekly. Vacuum the substrate during water changes.

Filter cleaning

Clean canister filters monthly. Rinse filter media in old tank water only. Never replace all media at once.

Glass cleaning

Wipe down glass with algae scraper and magfloat weekly. Clean when fish are fed to limit stress.

Gravel vacuuming

Vacuum exposed substrate weekly to remove debris and prevent nitrate buildup in bare areas. Take care around rockscapes.

Equipment check

Ensure equipment like heaters, powerheads and lights function properly each week. Replace if needed.

Compatibility

With other cichlids

African cichlids generally should not be mixed with New World or dwarf cichlids due to different water parameters and temperament.

With other fish

Larger tetras, barbs, danios, and rainbowfish can work but may be intimidated or nipped. Fast moving schooling fish are best picks.

With invertebrates

African cichlids see shrimp and snails as prey and will likely eat them. Plecos and synodontis catfish are better bottom dwellers. Avoid crayfish.

With plants

Plants rarely thrive with African cichlids. They will uproot most plants and eat soft leaved varieties. Try hardy Anubias, Java fern, and Valisneria secured to hardscape if desired.

With their own kind

Conspecific cichlids must be kept in proper ratios and species groups to prevent aggression. Avoid mixing males of the same species. Introduce all at once.

Gender differences

Male and female African cichlids can be distinguished by their physical appearance:

Size

Males are generally larger and more brilliantly colored than females at maturity. They grow more rapidly.

Fins

Dominant males will develop longer, flowing dorsal, caudal and anal fins while female fins are shorter.

Color

Prime males exhibit intense coloration while females and juveniles are more subdued. Egg spots may be vivid.

Genital papilla

Males have a pointed, squat genital papilla. Females have a rounder, longer papilla. Venting fish is the most reliable method.

Behavior

Males are often more aggressive, defending territories and courting females. Females congregate, exhibit submissive mannerisms.

There are exceptions between species so venting remains the definitive sexing method. In an established tank, behaviors also help identify gender once mature.

Breeding cichlids

Many African cichlids can be bred in a 75 gallon aquarium:

Pairing fish

Select a bonded breeding pair that exhibits courting behavior. Remove extra males to avoid harassment.

Spawning site

Provide flat rocks or caves for spawning surface. Keep area clear of gravel and décor for easy egg access.

Water parameters

Perform large water change with slightly warmer water to induce spawning. Keep clean and consistent.

Egg laying

Females lay eggs then males fertilize. Parents will guard eggs and become very aggressive. Remove other fish.

Caring for fry

Eggs hatch within 3-5 days. Parents will corral fry. Feed newly hatched brine shrimp nauplii for a few weeks.

Raising fry

Once free-swimming, transfer fry to 10-20 gallon nursery tank. Perform frequent small water changes. Feed 4-5 small meals daily with powdered flakes.

Breeding African cichlids requires preparation but can be quite rewarding! Research specific species requirements.

Troubleshooting common issues

Aggression

Cichlids establishing territories may exhibit some aggression like chasing and lip-locking. Remove bullies. Add sight breaks and increase stock.

Bloating

Bloat may be caused by intestinal blockage from overfeeding. Stop feeding, add Epsom salt and give peas. Use quarantine tanks.

Ich

Ich is a parasite that causes white spots. Treat promptly with increased temperature and meds containing malachite green or formalin.

Fin nipping

Overcrowding causes fin nipping injuries. Reduce stocking levels and provide more swimming space. Add dither fish like giant danios.

Hole in the head

Hexamita parasites create pits on the head. Improve diet and water quality. Treat with metronidazole.

Know your stock well to identify problems early. Quarantine new fish. Maintain excellent water quality and feed a varied diet.

Conclusion

A 75 gallon aquarium provides ample space for a dynamic African cichlid community. Stock conservatively with 1 inch of adult fish per 2-3 gallons of water. Start with 15-25 juvenile cichlids of 5-7 individuals per species. Mix species carefully and include rockwork to create territories. Maintain excellent water quality and feed a varied diet for health. With good planning, African cichlids can thrive in a 75 gallon tank. Let us know if you have any other questions!

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