Cynotilapia afra tips

[TKC747]

A newbie question:

(why_spyder, this should interest you especially)

I've read some stuff on c. afras. could you guys fill out this info a little bit?

Thanks

Tom(#2)

1. size of tank
2. m/f ratio
3. compatibility
4. hybridization risks

[YoungAquaticPhotos]

My take on them:

1. size of tank : 50 breeder
2. m/f ratio : Had group of 10 - 3M/7F
3. compatibility : had them by themselves. Now have them with my Breeding trio of Metri. elongatus Chewere
4. hybridization risks: Would not mix with other Cyno or similar Zebra looking types. Have had them with other elongatus & red zebras with no notice of hybrids. Everytime they bred they bred with own females.

I have become a huge fan of all Cynotilapia. I wish there was a book out on just them and all the different types and locations. Maybe Why_Spyder can publish a book? :neener:

[misterted]

I agree with Ed in that they, like all Cynotilapias, are a fascinating fish.
a 4ft tank at the minimum.
You CAN have a smaller group, depending on tank size a 4ft tank can handle 1m/3f and larger can handle 2m/5f.
I have kept a trio of C. Afra Jalo Reef for the past 6 years successfully.
Lastly, I do keep them with another Cynotilapia species successfully without corssbreeding.

If you must keep 2 Cynotilapia species together then make sure the females look nothing alike.

[maddog10]

Ed's answers are similar to my experince.
You can keep them in a 3 foot tank, but you really need to keep an eye on the group.
Larger footprint tanks are better.
Provide lots of hiding places.
Do not mix groups.
I like larger groups, 10-20 fish. 1 male for every 3-4 females makes a nice group.
(if you have a small group, be sure to have 2 males - competition is good).

They are VERY active and entertaining fish. Easy to breed, IME.

http://i52.photobucket.com/albums/g36/maddog10/ps-2.jpg

[why_spyder]

I've kept a single species in a 20H before without aggression issues, but it was a short-term housing situation.

A 3' tank is what I would consider a minimum for them - 4' is even better. I think 1M/3F is a good, minimum group ratio. I've had a hard time getting two males in a 4' tank but I'm sure it could be done.

As far as mixing Cynotilapia, I am with misterted. I currently have four Cynotilapia species breeding in one 55 - and haven't had a single cross yet. If I had two spawn on the same day I wouldn't keep the fry of either because of sperm migration - but that hasn't happened yet.

Lastly, I do keep them with another Cynotilapia species successfully without corssbreeding.

If you must keep 2 Cynotilapia species together then make sure the females look nothing alike.

I don't recommend that many in one tank for most people because I do feel I'm a bit fortunate in my situation. I also have been fortunate enough to see at least 75%-80% of the spawns that have occurred this year - so I actually see who is spawning with who.

As for writing a book - I think nick a is more qualified for it - he's got me beat in experience and species numbers by a great margin! He is definitely the King of Cynotilapia Keepers.. I've only had mine for about 2.5 years so I still have a long ways to go to catch up. ;)

[TKC747]

[FONT="Century Gothic"][SIZE="4"][COLOR="Navy"]I have become a huge fan of all Cynotilapia. I wish there was a book out on just them and all the different types and locations. Maybe Why_Spyder can publish a book? :neener:

I second this motion!!!!:ty:

Thanks everyone, I'll try to find some, but I'd better wait for the group buy from Dave's Rare :runnningaround:

[TKC747]

nick_a, why_spyder, how about a team effort for the book?

:bounce::bounce::bounce: