Should You Get Multiple African Cichlids at Once?
African cichlids are some of the most popular freshwater fish in the aquarium hobby. With their wide variety of colors, shapes, and sizes, it's easy to see why. But when it comes to deciding how many African cichlids you should get at once, the answer isn't always so clear.
What Type of African Cichlid Are You Getting?
The type of African cichlid you plan to get will have a big impact on how many you should buy at once. Some species, like Mbuna, are very territorial and should not be kept in groups of more than one. Other species, like Haplochromis, are schooling fish and should be kept in groups of at least six. It's important to research the species of African cichlid you plan to buy and make sure you know how many you should get for your tank.
What Size is Your Tank?
The size of your tank will also impact how many African cichlids you should get at once. If you have a smaller tank, it's best to keep fewer fish. This will reduce the amount of stress on the fish and help them stay healthier for longer. If you have a larger tank, you can get more fish, but be sure to research how many fish your tank can safely accommodate.
Are You Experienced with African Cichlids?
If you are a new aquarium hobbyist, you should start off with fewer African cichlids than if you are already experienced with the species. This will give you more time to get to know the individual personalities of the fish and help you better understand how to care for them. An experienced aquarist, on the other hand, may be able to handle a larger group of African cichlids.
Conclusion
The number of African cichlids you should get at once will depend on the species you plan to get, the size of your tank, and your experience with the species. It's important to research the species of African cichlid you plan to buy and make sure you know how many you should get for your tank. If you are a new aquarium hobbyist, start off with fewer African cichlids and as you gain experience, you can increase the number of fish you keep in your tank.