Should I pull some males

[judyok]

Hello everyone!

I have a group of 24 w/c mpulungus for about for 4 months now in a 125.  I've lost one which is amazing considering what they've been through.  They developed or came in with either fin rot or columnaris it was hard to tell, very stubborn and expensive to get rid of.  All have been doing well for quite some time now since then and I've ordered 6 more females which should come in sometime this month.  That should bring my group up to 8 males and 21 females.  For breeding purposes should I remove some of the males, and if so, how many.   If I should I will probably be creating a new thread with photos to get some help from you on venting.  Thanks in advance for your help.

[Mastiffman/ Duramax7Man7]

Nah that should be a good breeding group. Mpulungu are very prolific breeders. Especially for Moorii.

[judyok]

That's a relief to here. They all seem to be okay as far a aggression no one's gone on a murderous rampage.

[Mastiffman/ Duramax7Man7]

Good. Well here is the thing... Sometimes it's thought that we can make a better ratio. And if done from the very beginning, before the hierarchy is formed, that can be done! BUT, doing it after that order is established is often times like lighting a fuse to a bomb of unknown length.

So care must be taken. If this ever is attempted after order in the colony is established, I Highly recommend taking all of the décor out for a couple of weeks to reset the boundaries in the tank. Yes, territories will have to be established again, but this will take place after the hierarchy is re-established. Leaving the décor in will allow both the hierarchy and territories to be worked out. That's asking for trouble in my opinion.

Better safe than sorry.

[judyok]

Well I'm going to be receiving 6 more females this month that will bring up the group to 29. The females, of course, are going in a 75 gallon for about a month for quarantine purposes and then they will be added to the 125. At that time I will definitely be rearranging rocks or taking them out all together and then light out. I'm just wondering if they all settle in well should I just leave well enough alone and see if they will breed with 8 of those fish being males?

[Mastiffman/ Duramax7Man7]

Yeah I would leave them if they are going to spawn fine. Mpulungu are prolific breeders anyhow.

[judyok]

Thank you Andrew. Still waiting on the females. I'm purchasing them from Southeast Cichlids, but their still not in yet. I know their reputable ***** said there still waiting on the right shipment to come in. I just need to be patient (not one of my strong suits)