information about stocking needed

[regrex]

I'm assuming the Yellow Labs in question are Labidochromis caeruleus, given the description. These fish are generally quite peaceful for cichlids, so they can be kept in pairs or even colonies.

If you're only able to get your hands on smaller fish, I'd recommend growing a group of them out in a separate tank. Once they've had time to grow, you can re-arrange the main display tank to break up the established territories. Then, and only then, would I introduce the new caeruleus to the existing group.

Here's how I'd do it: keep your current adults in the main tank, and put the new ones in their own tank for a while - six months should do it. Once the new fish have reached 4-5 inches or so, re-arrange the rocks and ornaments in the main tank to break up the established territories. Then, and this is key, introduce the new group of caeruleus to the main tank, along with the other fish.

By moving the rocks around, you'll be breaking up the established territories, which should help reduce aggression. And by introducing a group of new fish all at once, you'll be spreading out any aggression among the new fish, rather than focusing it on just one or two individuals.

Thanks for the advice, I really appreciate it. I've got an oceanic_42 70 on the 55 gallon tank right now, but I also have an API superclear 50 that I can add once I've got the grow out tank empty. I'll be heading to my LFS tomorrow, so I'll be sure to update you on what I end up getting.

[regrex]

Wanted to revisit this topic, was thinking peacocks might work well with my 3 Yellow Labs. LFS has a bunch of them, seems like my best bet.

[coltin]

I would say all peacock cichlids (Aulonocara species) are pretty compatible with my Labidochromis caeruleus. Just keep in mind, Aulonocara species will hybridise so if you want to breed them, best to stick with one species or colour form per tank. If breeding isn't a priority, just grab 3 or 4 young males from different species and grow them up. They'll colour up as they mature - females stay silver gray, while males get the blues, reds, oranges, etc.