I need info on keeping these beautiful Kendalli fish. Tank size, substrate, water parameter, ratio and tank mates?

I have an empty 55 Gallon Tank - 47 L x 15 W x 15 H - size is in inches. I intend on breeding these fish.

If i need to then i will get a bigger tank.

you should ask mongo 4mongo
hes got em. my LFS sold em before for 13$ each at 2inches.
i should have tried them out but i went for the other ones

Thanx for the vote of confidence Multies...but Klaus is "THE MAN" when it comes to this species. I will let him chime in and give the low down dirt on these guys. I am still learning about these guys, and what I do know is curtesy of Bunntee.

GL, I appriciate the sentiments, but you really should wait for Klaus to be around and answer your questions.

Well geelite, if you really want to keep and breed these fish you will have to buy that new tank you are talking about because that 55g is not going to be big enough. L. Kendalli are quite aggressive and need a lot of room. You will also be hard pressed to find a tank large enough to hold two males. But first some quick info.

These fish eaters will grow to about 8" with the female staying a bit smaller. Water parameter (pH range: 7.4 – 8.4; dH range: 7 - 30; 77-80 degrees F). If you buy juvenile your 55g should be ok for a while but the males start killing each other off at a young age. Provide a lot of rock work for the females to hide. The substrate is left to your taste.

The two main problems breeding these fish is to get a harmonizing pair and to keep them in the tank. Don't laugh, the males will chase the females and unwanted competition right out of the tank. You absolutely have to make sure that your tank is completely covered including every little opening. The other problem is not so easy to take care off. You can only hope that out of the group you bought a pair will develop. Buying just a male and a female and placing them in your tank hoping that they will breed could very well be the death sentence for the female. It's just like a lottery, all you can do is hope.







Good luck Now this should be good! Now this should be good! Now this should be good!

WoW they are so stunning. Thank you for the info Buntbarsch.

I am going to order them with all my other fish for my fishroom. So what tank size do you think is the best size for them? What do you think of a 150cm Length Tank but not sure of the Width and Height...and how many pieces should i get Buntbarsch?


Does the info above also the same for Julidochromis dickfeldi?

IMO you need a 6 foot (1.8m) tank if you want to have adults from the beginning. Personally I would buy 5-7 juveniles and let grow up together. It will give you the best chance of getting a harmonizing pair. Problem with these fish is that you don't find them very often and have to take what's available.

Thank you Klaus Cheers!!!

See, I told you "THE MAN"! Just follow Klaus's advice with these guys.

Giggly Giggly Giggly

Mongo, you would make an excellent Manager for some needy person.
It is unfortunate that I can't affort you. Nanananaa