Moore's Lamprologus (Variabilichromis moorii)
| Moore's Lamprologus Variabilichromis moorii | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Name | Moore's Lamprologus |
| Name Lat. | Variabilichromis moorii |
| Synonym | Neolamprologus moorii |
| Family | Cichlids |
| Family lat. | Cichlidae |
| Order | Cichlids |
| Order lat. | Cichliformes |
| Origin | Lake Tanganyika |
| Habitat | Rocky shore |
| Diet | Omnivore |
| pH | 7.5-9.0 |
| Behavior | Territorial |
| Keeping | Individual, pair |
| Care Level | Moderate |
| Reproduction | Cave spawner |
| Breeding | Moderately difficult |
| Life Span | 5-8 years |
| Protection | No |
| Metric Units | |
| Size | 10 cm |
| Temperature | 24-28 °C |
| Hardness | 15-18 °dH |
| Aquarium | 100 l |
| US Units | |
| Size | 3.9" |
| Temperature | 75-82 °F |
| Hardness | 267-320 ppm |
| Aquarium | 25 gal |
Distribution and habitat
Variabilichromis moorii are found exclusively (endemically) in Lake Tanganyika, where they are widespread in the southern part of the lake and have produced several site variants. They live in the rocky shallow water near the shore on the rugged coasts.
Maintenance
The aquarium should be structured with sturdy rock structures, have numerous caves, crevices and shelters that provide hiding places as well as open areas with a substrate of fine, light sand and adequate swimming space.
No ammonia, ammonium or nitrite must be detectable in the water, and the nitrate value must not exceed 100 mg/l. To ensure the water quality and oxygen content, a filter and heater adapted to the aquarium size is required, as well as lighting for the species-appropriate day-night rhythm of the animals.
Diet
In the wild they feed mainly on small crustaceans, insect larvae and algae. The food supply consists of live, frozen and dry food. For a balanced diet, feed at least once a day with a high-quality dry food for Tanganyika cichlids (flakes, granules, pellets) as well as cyclops, daphnia, artemia and mosquito larvae (live or frozen). In addition, they need vegetable food, such as algae leaves or dry food with vegetable ingredients (e.g. spirulina)
Only feed as much as will be eaten within a few minutes. A regular and varied diet promotes health and prevents deficiency symptoms.
Behaviour and compatibility
They are pair-building and defend their cave and territory vigorously against other fish. Keeping multiple pairs is only recommended in a much larger and richly structured tank. They can be socialized with other robust Lake Tanganyika cichlids.
Basically, only compatible fish species with similar demands on water condition and water temperature should be socialized.
Sex dimorphism
The sexes are difficult to distinguish. Adult males have a longer extended dorsal and caudal fin.
Reproduction and breeding
They are pair-building cave breeders and usually attach the spawn to the cave ceiling or walls. The female performs brood care while the male defends the territory. The fry hatch after 2-3 days and swim freely after 6-8 days. The yellow colored fry remain in the territory of the parents, even if they spawn again.
Fry must be fed several times a day with special rearing food (Artemia nauplii). Breeding is hardly possible in community tanks, as the fry are easy prey.
Important
The yellow colored juveniles gradually lose their color. Adults are dark brown to black with a blue fringe around the fins.
They like to jump, accordingly, the aquarium must be well covered.
The well-being of the fish should be checked regularly. Temperature should be checked daily, pH, hardness and nitrate levels should be checked at least every 14 days. Regular partial water changes are recommended, even if the contaminant level has not yet reached the upper limit. Sudden changes in water quality should be avoided. Newly introduced fish must be accustomed slowly to the water in the aquarium
Further literature can be found in your pet store.
References
Text: petdata; Image: Franz Lowak
Source: BMELV (1998): Tierschutzgutachten - Haltung von Zierfischen (Süßwasser); BAENSCH & RIEHL (2004): Aquarien Atlas Bd. 2, Mergus Verlag; ENGELMANN (2005): Zootierhaltung - Tiere in menschlicher Obhut: Fische, Verlag Harri Deutsch
- Gemäß § 21 Abs. 5 Tierschutzgesetz idgF