choosing the right tank mates

[taylex8]

Just started setting up a Malawi tank from a cycled tropical tank, getting rid of the tropicals and introducing two yellow labs.

Tank's 65L for now, but we're planning a major upgrade to 3-4 times the size when we move house at the end of next year.

Looking for some good tankmates for the yellow labs, considering they're still small at about 1 inch. Want some brightly colored fish to complement them.

[daxton]

I think 65L is on the small side for Mbuna, considering the adult size of these fish. Since you're planning to upgrade soon, I'd suggest using this tank for something else and setting up a larger one when you move - 55gal or bigger would be more suitable. If not, you could add a couple more labs for now and introduce other species when you expand.

[taylex8]

They're about an inch now, so how quickly can I expect the yellow labs to grow, considering the tank's current size and the eventual upgrade?

[daxton]

Mine have had a significant growth spurt over the past few months, more than doubling in size. Based on this, you could be looking at fish around 3"-4" in a year's time. Yellow labs typically reach a mature size of 4"-5", which is something to keep in mind considering your current tank size. As they're Mbuna, they're generally more aggressive than your average tropical fish, so they do require more space and specific care. I'd recommend keeping them in a group to spread the aggression, and providing plenty of hiding places for them to escape each other. With just the two you have, I'm not sure how it'll play out - they might be fine, but if they're both males, they could be in for a lot of fighting.

[taylex8]

Thanks for the advice Steve. I appreciate your concerns but space is a bit of an issue at the moment, so I'll have to make do with the 65L for now. The two labs seem to get on fine with each other, which is a plus. I'm looking forward to moving house and upgrading the tank, it's just a waiting game for now.

[daxton]

Add some rock formations for them to hide in, should help till you can expand. Wish you the best.