Cichlid compatibility question

Question
QUESTION: Hi,

I recently purchased a zebra obliquidens, I believe it's a female but its a juvenile at this time so i'm not sure at waht age it developes its additional coloration if its a male. I currently have it in a grow tank with other young juveniles, 2 male yellow lab and 2 female blue zebra and various loach including clowns and botia. The fish was in one of those assorted tanks and no one had a clue what it was. After hunting the internet I discovered what it is and that its Victorian. I had a Neyerei in the past and had good luck with its compatibility. What I'm asking is this, what's its temperament like? Like I said its a grow tank and I'm planning on putting it and the others in my 55 gallon all african cichlid tank consisting of 1 male albino zebra, 1 female blue zebra, 1 female acei, 1 male maingano, 1 female auratus, 1 male jewel, 1 male yellow lab, 1 male hongi, 1 female aurora, 1 female yellow peacock, 1 male ob peacock. They all get along pretty well and are all at least a year old. Also how long should i wait so they won't be snacks for the big ones? They are about an inch and 1/2 right now and are all slender. Thanks in advance.

ANSWER: Hi Doug,
  When the fish is young you shouldn't have much trouble. However, as it starts to mature, say when it gets towards 2.5 to 3 inches, there could be problems if it is a male because males get very territorial.  Keep a close eye on things. Be sure that you have lots of structure (plants, rock, wood, etc) in the tank to break up the space and create lots of hiding places for weaker fishes. Be aware that a fish's temperment can change quite quickly as it grows and matures.

-- Ron C.
  rcoleman@cichlidresearch.com
  Cichlid Research Home Page <http://cichlidresearch.com>


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unknown cichlid   QUESTION: Hi,

I recently purchased this cichlid out of one of those african mixed tanks. I was wondering if you could help me identify it. The fish in question is in the middle of the picture. I'm not talking about the jewel or yellow who are also in the pic in the lower right corner. Thanks in advance.

Answer
Hi Doug,
 Unfortunately I am not good at identifying East African cichlids. It could be one of many different species, or a hybrid between multiple species. The later possibility is why I do not recommend purchasing fish from "mixed" African tanks.

-- Ron C.
   rcoleman@cichlidresearch.com
   Cichlid Research Home Page <http://cichlidresearch.com>