How many cichlids should I keep in one tank?

55 gallon tank, african cichlids?

• Ok, so I decided to try something new (I usually keep angelfish) since my angelfish I had for years died. So the aquarium shop says "oh african cichlids are fun, active and colorful". So they tell me to order at least 6, I went ahead and ordered 8 and for some reason they sent 9. Well if these fish are supposed to be active something is wrong. Firstly two of the 9 have died. Secondly there are only two that actually swim. The rest just float in one spot or hide. All their colors are changing too, the aquarium shop is not being helpful. So I need to know what to expect from these fish, is it normal for them to be so inactive, what temp do they like, I have the tank on 78. The water parameters are all in the normal range...do their colors change like this? Etc...any help or tips will be very appreciated! I can honestly say I haven't a clue. I live in a rural area and they ship the fish by plane. I have whatever it is they sent. There is a bright orange one, two pure white ones. Two black ones with orange fins, a vivid purple one. And a light blue one with stripes and a really neon blue shimmer around his head. Other then color they all physically look the same to me. I called the aquarium shop owner, he said they are all lake malawi (sp?) Cichlids and "should get along fine" he also said there is no way for him to know exactly what species they are in particular because there are so many. These fish are frustrating and I am worried about them. Not peaceful fishkeeping at all!

• Answer:

  Might Help if you actually post what African Cichlids you have as there are many Different species needing different set ups from water to Habitat. Edit..That does not help me what so ever i understand what you are saying but those fish could be any number of Cichlids could you upload a pic of them . It could be you have fish that cant even be kept Together some African Cichlids are nasty and aggressive towards other fish . Edit ..Oh dear i have a link for you try checking it out and see if you can pinpoint from the pics what fish you have and not all fish from that lake get on its not as simple as that Hence why i just keep Normal Cichlids ,African Cichlids just give me a head ache thinking about them . If you can pick out what you have i will be able to help you further Some need to be kept in large groups of the same species to stop Aggression some need a bigger female to male Ratio than other species .some need to be kept on there own can you see how complicated it is http://www.floridatropicalfishdirect.com/5152/5173.html