Page 150 - Encyclopedia of Aquarium and Pond Fish, 3rd Edition

148 FRESHWATER FISH DIRECTORY

Labidochromis sp. Lupingo
A HEAD START IN LIFE
Lupingo Labidochromis identity of many Lake Malawi cichlids that some
of those that are common in aquariums do not have Many Lake Malawi cichlids use mouth-
ORIGINS East Africa, in Lake Malawi, around Lupingo in recognized scientific names. This is partly because brooding to increase the chances of survival
the northeastern part of the lake. even local populations of a species can differ of the next generation. While other species
SIZE 6 in (15 cm). dramatically in appearance. Consequently, these lay large numbers of eggs, many of which are
DIET Prepared cichlid foods and live foods. cichlids are often named after the area of the lake eaten along with newly hatched fry, mouth-
WATER Temperature 72–79°F (22–26°C); hard where a population was discovered. These brooders produce fewer eggs but care for their
(150–200 mg/l) and alkaline (pH 7.5–8.0). descriptions are known as trade names. In offspring in their mouths and protect them
TEMPERAMENT Quite peaceful. Labidochromis species, the female carries during the critical early stages of life. Once
the fertilized eggs in her mouth, releasing the the young cichlids are able to swim, the
A vivid, dark blue body coloration marked with free-swimming fry about three weeks later. female opens her jaws and allows the fry to
black vertical bars, plus yellowish markings on the emerge. She still keeps a watchful eye on
dorsal fin, typify this Lake Malawi cichlid. them at first, and whenever danger threatens,
There is such confusion over the the youngsters will instinctively dart back
into the safety of her mouth.

Labidochromis caeruleus Protomelas fenestratus Cyrtocara moorii
Labidochromis Electric Fenestratus Malawi Blue Dolphin

ORIGINS East Africa, found only in Lake Malawi, typically ORIGINS East Africa, in Lake Malawi, where this species ORIGINS East Africa, all around Lake Malawi, especially
on the northwest side of the lake. is found typically in the east-central region. in the south; also in Lake Malombe.
SIZE 6 in (15 cm). SIZE 6 in (15 cm). SIZE 9 in (23 cm).
DIET Prepared cichlid foods, algae, and live foods. DIET Prepared cichlid foods and live foods. DIET Prepared cichlid foods and live foods.
WATER Temperature 72–79°F (22–26°C); hard WATER Temperature 72–79°F (22–26°C); hard WATER Temperature 72–79°F (22–26°C); hard
(150–200 mg/l) and alkaline (pH 7.5–8.0). (150–200 mg/l) and alkaline (pH 7.5–8.0). (150–200 mg/l) and alkaline (pH 7.5–8.0).
TEMPERAMENT Quite peaceful. TEMPERAMENT Quite peaceful. TEMPERAMENT Relatively peaceful.
This cichlid can be identified by the thick, dark
Male barring on its body. While the head is blue, the
sides of the body have a yellowish-orange hue.
Males are more brightly colored than females.
Fenestratus is an active, mouth-brooding fish that
occurs relatively close to the shore, in areas where
there are both boulders and sandy stretches. Once
Dark fins free-swimming, the young Fenestratus need a diet
that includes live foods, such as brine shrimp.
Blue dorsal fin
This species exists in a range of color morphs, The sides of this blue-bodied fish often show signs
such as the bright yellow form shown here. Both of darker vertical barring. Despite its extensive
the male and the female display a stripe along the range in the lake, there are no recognized color
dorsal fin, but only the male has black ventral fins. morphs. The distinctive bulge on the head is
Labidochromis cichlids are part of the mbuna group, more apparent in males. Blue Dolphins are
whose members occur in rocky areas of Lake found in sandy rather than rocky areas. They
Malawi close to the shore, where they browse on often shadow cichlids that dig in the substrate,
algae. This species is one of the most placid, but a Darker vertical in anticipation of finding edible items unearthed
male should be kept with several females. markings by the excavations.

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