
The reverse is also true Amphilophus citrinellus fry are able to distinguish chemical cues given off by their parents. For example, Amatitlania coatepeque and Amphilophus citrinellus are able to discriminate their own small fry from those of other species.

How do cichlids recognize their young?Ĭichlids are known to use chemical cues to recognize their young in parenting. Hang on back (HOB) filters are suitable for aquariums up to 75 gallons, but canister filters are preferred for larger tanks. What kind of filter do I need for rift lake cichlids?Ī robust filter with strong mechanical filtration capability is a must with Rift Lake cichlids as many species love to dig, stirring up debris. In terms of other mouthbrooding cichlids outside of Malawi and Tanganyika, a few species originate from South America. Do cichlids defend their fry from predators?Įven after the fry eventually leave the mouth cavity many species, will tend to them as they grow and defend them against predators and competitive conspecifics. The following section will focus primarily on mouthbrooding cichlids from the African Rift Valley from the lakes Malawi and Tanganyika. Are there mouthbrooding cichlids in the African Rift Valley? Regular partial water changes must also be performed. As with all Rift Lake cichlids, water quality is paramount so the tank should be fitted with a decent external filter. Hard water tolerant plants such as Vallisneria or Anubias can be used, but aren’t essential. Rusty cichlids are endemic to Lake Malawi where it is apparently restricted to islands and reefs in the southeastern arm of the lake. Females hold their fertilized eggs and fry, in their mouth for a few weeks before releasing the fry. The IUCN list tis species as Near Threatened.

The restricted distribution and the effects of the aquarium trade and increased sedimentation on this fish are unknown. Possibilities include Aulonocara, Protomelas or Copadichromis species and other quieter cichlids from Lake Malawi such as Labidochromis caerulus. It will easily be outcompeted by bigger, more boisterous species, so tankmates should be chosen wisely. What cichlids can I put with my Malawian betta fish? Rusty cichlids are elongate fish that can grow up to 10.8 centimetres (4.3 in) SL. It prefers a temperature range of 24-26 ☌. Iodotropheus sprengerae, the rusty cichlid, lavender mbuna or lavender cichlid, is a species of cichlid endemic to the Boadzulu and Chinyankwazi Islands and Chinyamwezi Island regions of Lake Malawi.


Why are cichlids classified as nuisance fish?.What kind of filter do I need for rift lake cichlids?.Do cichlids defend their fry from predators?.Are there mouthbrooding cichlids in the African Rift Valley?.What cichlids can I put with my Malawian betta fish?.Are rusty cichlids endemic to Lake Malawi?.
