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I have a 28 gallon tank and want to buy a few cichlids, but I am unsure on how many African cichlids (Malawi) I can have in a certain space. Can anyone please advise me on this? Thanks in advance.

You can setup two different styles of Malawi tanks depending on the size and type of fish you get. Some of the Malawi species can get up to 10" long, mabey longer in some cases. But also some species only grow to about 4 or so inches. Best setups in my opinion:

1) With many stones which almost reach the water surface and many caves for the smaller fish.
2) With less stones and caves and only one or two caves/big stones for every male in the tank.

For a breeding tank kind number 2 is recommended, but for society tank you should use kind number 1. But keep in mind that the bigger the fish, the bigger the stones and tank!

Temperature: 79-80 degrees
pH 7.5 - 8.5
Plants not required, it's recommended to decorate with stones instead
Maybe territory borders with stones, but often this don't work
Some hidden places with sand for spawning
Depending on the specific fish that you put in there, just vary it out.

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Chuck
chuck@cichlidfish.com