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Current Category African Cichlids- Lake Tanganyika
Lake Tanganyika in eastern Africa is the second deepest lake in the world. With a length of about 600 kilometres and a total shoreline estimated at 2000 kilometres, the lake is home to a vast array of Cichlids (approximately 200 species, plus many colour variations within some species). Virtually all of these Cichlids are endemic to the lake (i.e. they occur nowhere else). Many of them are very popular as aquarium fish, because of their fascinating behaviour and attractive appearance. With so many types to choose from, they can range from fish that are very easy to keep and breed through to species that are a real challenge for even the most experienced fish hobbyists.
The water in Lake Tanganyika is very alkaline (pH 8.6-9.5) with a high mineral count. Using Rift Lake Conditioning Salts provides the water requirements necessary for these fish. Being tropical fish, a water temperature of 23-27 C is satisfactory. These fish have healthy appetites and will eat most fish foods, but it is worth noting there are several products specifically designed to meet the needs of these active fish (e.g. HBH cichlid foods.) Avoid feeding beefheart or other fatty meats to these Cichlids, as it can lead to health problems – especially for herbivores such as Tropheus.
Most Tanganyikan Cichlids are territorial to varying degrees, but this can be managed in different ways such as:
Fully stock the aquarium rather than lightly stock it (thereby diluting the effect of any overly aggressive individual, and also making it harder to establish or hold territories).
Provide plenty of cover (rocks, driftwood, etc) in display or breeding set-ups.
Rearrange the aquarium décor whenever new fish are added, thereby disrupting the territories of the original occupants. For most Tropheus varieties, a group of at least 8 specimens should be kept to minimize aggression between individuals.
The breeding methods of Tanganyikan Cichlids vary considerably, many guard their eggs in rock crevices, some dwarf types use empty snail shells. Quite a few species such as Tropheus are mouthbrooders; and some male mouthbrooders such as Ophthalmotilapia (Featherfins) build elaborate spawning nests. Quite a few Tanganyikan Cichlids will readily breed in retail or home aquariums, with a few fry often surviving amongst the rocks without any special care.
Many of these Cichlids occur in various distinctive geographic populations, this is especially common amongst rock dwelling types such as Tropheus. The rock-dwellers are often unwilling or unable to cross sandy bays or open deep water to get to the next rocky habitat and this can lead to isolated variations in colour.
| BENTHOCHROMIS TRICOTI 4.5CM |
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Rarely bred in aquaria, most aquarium stock of this beautiful mouthbrooder is wild caught. Females may gulp air and be mistakenly thought to be brooding eggs. Usually found at depths of 20-60 metres, males grow to 20-22cm, females are smaller. Best kept in a large aquarium with plenty of open swimming space. |
| BENTHOCHROMIS TRICOTI 12CM |
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Rarely bred in aquaria, most aquarium stock of this beautiful mouthbrooder is wild caught. Females may gulp air and be mistakenly thought to be brooding eggs. Usually found at depths of 20-60 metres, males grow to 20-22cm, females are smaller. Best kept in a large aquarium with plenty of open swimming space. |
| CHALINOCHROMIS BIFRENATUS 4.5CM |
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Native to rocky habitats in the middle section of the lake, this is an egg-layer that breeds in caves. Their aquarium should contain plenty of rockwork, tankmates can be other rock-dwelling Tanganyikans. Grows to 12-15cm. |
| CHALINOCHROMIS BIFRENATUS 6CM |
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Native to rocky habitats in the middle section of the lake, this is an egg-layer that breeds in caves. Their aquarium should contain plenty of rockwork, tankmates can be other rock-dwelling Tanganyikans. Grows to 12-15cm. |
| CHALINOCHROMIS BRICHARDI 4.5CM |
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Native to rocky habitats, the Brichardi is an egg-layer that breeds in caves. Their aquarium should contain plenty of rockwork, tankmates can be other rock-dwelling Tanganyikans. Both sexes have a cream coloured body with prominent dark bridle markings over the head. Grows to 13-15cm. |
| CHALINOCHROMIS NDOBHOI 4CM |
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Native to rocky habitats of the central eastern shoreline of the lake, Ndobhoi is an egg-layer that breeds in caves. Their aquarium should contain plenty of rockwork, tankmates can be other rock-dwelling Tanganyikans. Both sexes have a cream coloured body, with prominent dark spotting. Grows to 14-15cm. |
| CYPHOTILAPIA FRONTOSA BLUE CHAITIKA 5CM |
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Frontosa are a majestic looking fish with enduring popularity. In the wild they inhabit rocky areas, usually at depths of 20-70 metres. They are best kept in a group of 5 or more in large aquaria and are a quiet peaceful species - but they will prey upon small fish. May grow to 30-40cm, but usually smaller. Frontosa from Chaitika are one of several very attractive blue forms found in the lake. |
| CYPHOTILAPIA FRONTOSA BLUE CHAITIKA 12CM |
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Frontosa are a majestic looking fish with enduring popularity. In the wild they inhabit rocky areas, usually at depths of 20-70 metres. They are best kept in a group of 5 or more in large aquaria and are a quiet peaceful species - but they will prey upon small fish. May grow to 30-40cm, but usually smaller. Frontosa from Chaitika are one of several very attractive blue forms found in the lake. |
| CYPHOTILAPIA FRONTOSA BLUE MPIMBWE 5CM |
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With their distinctive appearance, Frontosa are a majestic looking fish with enduring popularity. In the wild it occurs around rocky areas usually at depths of 20-70 metres. It should be kept in a group of 5 or more in larger aquaria. A quiet, peaceful species, but it will prey upon small fish. May grow to 30-40cm, but usually smaller. The morph at Mpimbwe is very attractive with a strong blue colour over most of the fish. |
| CYPHOTILAPIA FRONTOSA BLUE MPIMBWE 12CM |
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With their distinctive appearance, Frontosa are a majestic looking fish with enduring popularity. In the wild it occurs around rocky areas usually at depths of 20-70 metres. It should be kept in a group of 5 or more in larger aquaria. A quiet, peaceful species, but it will prey upon small fish. May grow to 30-40cm, but usually smaller. The morph at Mpimbwe is very attractive with a strong blue colour over most of the fish. |
| CYPHOTILAPIA FRONTOSA KIGOMA 7 BAR 3.5CM |
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The 7 Bar Frontosa is native to the Kigoma area of the lake. Frontosa are a majestic looking fish with enduring popularity. In the wild they inhabit rocky areas, usually at depths of 20-70 metres. They are best kept in a group of 5 or more in large aquaria and are a quiet peaceful species - but they will prey upon small fish. May grow to 30-40cm, but usually smaller. |
| CYPHOTILAPIA FRONTOSA KIGOMA 7 BAR 5CM |
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The 7 Bar Frontosa is native to the Kigoma area of the lake. Frontosa are a majestic looking fish with enduring popularity. In the wild they inhabit rocky areas, usually at depths of 20-70 metres. They are best kept in a group of 5 or more in large aquaria and are a quiet peaceful species - but they will prey upon small fish. May grow to 30-40cm, but usually smaller. |
| CYPHOTILAPIA FRONTOSA KIGOMA 7 BAR 6CM |
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The 7 Bar Frontosa is native to the Kigoma area of the lake. Frontosa are a majestic looking fish with enduring popularity. In the wild they inhabit rocky areas, usually at depths of 20-70 metres. They are best kept in a group of 5 or more in large aquaria and are a quiet peaceful species - but they will prey upon small fish. May grow to 30-40cm, but usually smaller. |
| CYPHOTILAPIA FRONTOSA 6 BAR TANK BRED 5CM |
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With their distinctive appearance, Frontosa are a majestic looking fish with enduring popularity. In the wild it occurs around rocky areas usually at depths of 20-70 metres. It should be kept in a group of 5 or more in larger aquaria. A quiet, peaceful species, but it will prey upon small fish. May grow to 30-40cm, but usually smaller. |
| CYPRICHROMIS LEPTOSOMA JUMBO "KEKESE" 5CM |
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Native to the southern half of the lake, this mouthbrooder congregates in large schools in open water near rocky habitats, feeding on zooplanton. Best kept in a group in a large aquarium with other relatively peaceful Tanganyikan species. Numerous geographic variations exist and multiple colour forms are often present in a single population. Grows to about 12cm. Males at Kekese have yellow tails and either a blackish or light blue dorsal fin. |
| CYPRICHROMIS LEPTOSOMA JUMBO KITUMBA 6CM |
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Native to the southern half of the lake, this mouthbrooder congregates in large schools in open water near rocky habitats, feeding on zooplankton. Best kept in a group in a large aquarium with other relatively peaceful Tanganyikan species. Numerous geographic variations exist and multiple colour forms are often present in a single population. Grows to about 12cm. Males at Kitumba may be entirely yellow, blue or a mixture of both. |
| CYPRICHROMIS LEPTOSOMA MALASA YELLOW TAIL 5CM |
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This slender mouthbrooder congregates in large schools in open water near rocky habitats, feeding on zooplankton. Best kept in a group in a large aquarium with other relatively peaceful Tanganyikan species. A number of differently coloured geographic variations occur and multiple colour forms are often present in a single population. Grows to 8-9cm. A nice yellow tailed morph from Malasa, Tanzania. |
| CYPRICHROMIS LEPTOSOMA MPULUNGU 6CM |
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This slender mouthbrooder congregates in large schools in open water near rocky habitats, feeding on zooplankton. Best kept in a group in a large aquarium with other relatively peaceful Tanganyikan species. A number of differently coloured geographic variations occur and multiple colour forms are often present in a single population. Grows to 8-9cm. Males at Mpulungu have blue or yellow tails. |
| CYPRICHROMIS LEPTOSOMA UTINTA BAY 4.5CM |
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This slender mouthbrooder congregates in large schools in open water near rocky habitats, feeding on zooplankton. Best kept in a group in a large aquarium with other relatively peaceful Tanganyikan species. A number of differently coloured geographic variations occur and multiple colour forms are often present in a single population. Grows to 8-9cm. Males at Utinta Bay have yellow to orange tails. |
| GNATHOCHROMIS PERMAXILLARIS 6CM |
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Living over muddy bottomed areas, this species uses its unusual extendable mouth to vacuum the substrate for good items. Both sexes are attractively spangled. Rarely bred in aquaria, grows to around 20cm. |
| JULIDOCHROMIS ORNATUS 4CM |
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"Julies" are a popular group of boldly patterned species found in rocky habitats. Their aquarium can be moderate in size, but should contain plenty of rocks. These fish breed readily in aquaria, laying their eggs in a cave or similar shelter. The Ornatus is one of the smaller members of the genus, males grow to about 9cm, females slightly smaller. |
| JULIDOCHROMIS ORNATUS "BLUE FIN" 4CM |
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"Julies" are a popular group of boldly patterned species found in rocky habitats. Their aquarium can be moderate in size, but should contain plenty of rocks. These fish breed readily in aquaria, laying their eggs in a cave or similar shelter. The Ornatus is one of the smaller members of the genus, males grow to about 9cm, females slightly smaller. |
| JULIDOCHROMIS REGANI 4CM |
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"Julies" are a popular group of boldly patterned species found in rocky habitats. Their aquarium can be moderate in size, but should contain plenty of rocks. These fish breed readily in aquaria, laying their eggs in a cave or similar shelter. This is another variable fish, with many attractive colour forms. Females grow to 13cm, males to about 10cm. |
| JULIDOCHROMIS REGANI KIPILLI 4CM |
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"Julies" are a popular group of boldly patterned species found in rocky habitats. Their aquarium can be moderate in size, but should contain plenty of rocks. These fish breed readily in aquaria, laying their eggs in a cave or similar shelter. This is another variable fish, with many attractive colour forms. Females grow to 13cm, males to about 10cm. |
| NEOLAMPROLOGUS BREVIS 4CM |
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One of several smaller species referred to as "shell-dwellers", in the lake they use empty snail shells as refuges and breeding sites, usually located in sandy-bottomed areas of the lake. Unlike other shell-dwellers, both the male and female Brevis will shelter in the same shell. These fish make fascinating aquarium subjects in smaller aquaria. Males grow to 5cm, females to about 4cm. |
| PRINCESS CICHLID (N. BRICHARDI) 3.5CM |
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This graceful looking cichlid is a very popular aquarium fish, also known by imaginative names such as Princess of Burundi and Fairy Cichlid. This species has a wide distribution in the lake, face markings and/or body markings can vary in appearance depending on locality. It inhabits rocky areas and forms large breeding colonies, older fry help guard younger siblings. Both sexes grow to about 10cm. |
| PRINCESS CICHLID (N. BRICHARDI) 4CM |
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This graceful looking cichlid is a very popular aquarium fish, also known by imaginative names such as Princess of Burundi and Fairy Cichlid. This species has a wide distribution in the lake, face markings and/or body markings can vary in appearance depending on locality. It inhabits rocky areas and forms large breeding colonies, older fry help guard younger siblings. Both sexes grow to about 10cm. |
| PRINCESS CICHLID ALBINO (N. BRICHARDI) 3.5CM |
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This graceful looking cichlid is a very popular aquarium fish, also known by imaginative names such as Princess of Burundi and Fairy Cichlid. It inhabits rocky areas and forms large breeding colonies, older fry help guard younger siblings. Both sexes grow to about 10cm. The albino form is an aquarium bred variety, the result of selective breeding, with a nice yellow-white base colour. |
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