Check adult requirements
Record the baseline and check mbuna, haplochromines and diet. Do not infer the aquarium's condition from a single sign. Confirm scientific identity, adult size, diet, social behaviour and swimming zone.
Then compare sex ratio, colour and intraspecific aggression with livestock needs and recent changes. Look for genuine overlap in water, flow, territory and feeding throughout the year.
Assess compatibility and welfare
Adjust one variable and assess rockwork, footprint and filtration for high load before continuing. Keep a reference so the result can be compared. Plan the complete group and monitor feeding, breathing, injury, shelter and space use.
Do not mix conflicting diets or use crowding without the capacity and experience to manage it.