Cichlids of Lake Tanganika
Lake Tanganyika,
Africa is the 6th largest lake in the world and home to numerous species
of Cichlids. Cichlids fill most every niche in the lake and live
in rocky shorelines and deeper open water. Some are substrate
spawners, some use snail shells for breeding, and the majority are
mouthbrooders.. Many of these fish
make excellent aquarium fish, and they are both beautiful and
interesting to observe. We stock a variety of these Cichlids.
If you want to keep these beautiful fish we suggest you research each
species before you buy, and plan your tank properly. Best
results are obtained when you devote the entire tank to their specific
needs.
Housing: Most fish require
large tanks of at least 55 gallon, although a few species are suitable
for smaller tanks. Many of the
Neolamprolgus
and
Julidochromis genus
are suitable for smaller tanks. The tank should include plenty of stacked rocky
areas in the rear with an open swimming room in the middle.
Calcareous gravel designed for African Cichlids is recommended in order
to help maintain the proper mineral content and alkaline pH.
When you start a new tank purchase a biological starter such as "Fritz-Zyme"
to establish biological filtration quickly.
Water Conditions:
Water in lake Tanganyika is high in mineral content and has a very
alkaline pH (about 8.0)Use pH buffers to maintain the proper pH.
A couple of power filters on the
back and frequent partial water changes is recommended.
Temperature: 72-80.
Feeding:
Many species graze on algae on rocks. In an aquarium
feed a variety of foods including flakes, pellets, and freeze-dried or
frozen foods. A high percentage of their
diet should be greens.
We recommend an African Cichlid specialty flake.
Mysis shrimp and bloodworms are also good choices. Frequent
feeding of 2-3 times a day is best.
How Many to buy? Mouthbrooding species can be purchased
in groups. Some of the substrate spawners can be purchased in
pairs
Tankmates: Some planning will have to go into your
selection. One method is to purchase small fish and let them grow.
The tank should contain only African Rift Lake Cichlids. It is not
recommended to keep these fish with South American Cichlids or other
freshwater tropical fish.
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Here is a sampling of some of the Lake Tanganika Cichlids you may see at Elmer's Aquarium |
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| Marleri Cichlid grows to 3.5" Julidochromis marlieri A pretty cichlid that stays small. Provide rocks and hiding spots near the bottom. can be kept in tanks of 20 gallon or more. A substrate spawner. | Brichardi Cichlid grows to 3" Neolamprolgus brichardi Also called the lyretail cichlid A very pretty cichlid. Body is elongated, gray with black patch on gill cover, white tips on fins. They can be kept in smaller tanks. (15 gal and up) They are substrate spawners. Best kept in groups in tanks with lots of rocks. Good tankmates may include other Neolamprolgus species or Juliochromis species. |
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| Leleupi Cichlid grows to 4" Neolamprologus leleupi A yellow body with blue eys. Males have a larger head and more robust body. A substrate spawner. | Duboisi Cichlid grows to 5" Tropheus duboisi A very pretty and popular Cichlid. An algae grazer. A mouthbrooder. More mild-mannered than most Cichlids. |
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We carry this book |
Frontosa Cichlid grows to 5" Cyphotilapia frontosa A very pretty and popular Cichlid. Should have some shrimp and fish based food in diet. Mild mannered and will not harm smaller tank mates. They are light blue with black stripes |
