Purple Mbuna (Melanochromis vermivorus)
| Purple Mbuna Melanochromis vermivorus | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Name | Purple Mbuna |
| Name Lat. | Melanochromis vermivorus |
| Family | Cichlids |
| Family lat. | Cichlidae |
| Order | Cichlids |
| Order lat. | Cichliformes |
| Origin | Lake Malawi |
| Habitat | Rocky intermediate zone |
| Diet | Limnivore |
| pH | 7.5-8.8 |
| Behavior | Aggressive |
| Keeping | Harem |
| Care Level | Moderate |
| Reproduction | Mouthbrooder |
| Breeding | Simple |
| Life Span | 5-8 years |
| Protection | No |
| Metric Units | |
| Size | 12-15 cm |
| Temperature | 24-28 °C |
| Hardness | 10-25 °dH |
| Aquarium | 250 l |
| US Units | |
| Size | 4.7"-5.9" |
| Temperature | 75-82 °F |
| Hardness | 178-445 ppm |
| Aquarium | 65 gal |
Distribution and habitat
The distribution area of the Steel Blue Mouthbrooders is exclusively (endemic) Lake Malawi, where they occur on the southwest coast (Malawi) between Mbenji Island and Zimbawe Rock. They belong to the Mbuna group, which lives in the rocky shore zones.
Maintenance
The aquarium setup should have rocky structures that reach the water surface, with plenty of crevices, caves and shelters to provide hiding places, as well as sturdy plants and some open sandy areas
No ammonia, ammonium or nitrite should be detectable in the water, and the nitrate level should 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
They eat the vegetable cover (growth) of stones and the microorganisms contained therein. The food supply consists of algae leaves, crushed peas, pureed leafy and wild vegetables, supplemented with live or frozen Artemia, Cyclops and Daphnia or a special frozen food mixture enriched with vitamins. Alternatively, a high-quality dry food for algae-eating cichlids can be offered
Regular and varied feeding promotes health and increases resistance. Only as much should be fed as is eaten within a few minutes.
Behaviour and compatibility
Sier should be kept in a harem, one male with several females. Males show a pronounced territorial behavior within the species. Keeping several harems is only recommended in a much larger and richly structured tank. They can be well socialized with other cichlids from Lake Malawi, especially from the mbuna group.
Basically, only compatible fish species with similar demands on water condition and water temperature should be socialized.
Sex dimorphism
Males and females differ significantly in coloration (sexual dichromatism). The females are also slightly smaller than the males, which have yellow egg spots on the anal fin.
Reproduction and breeding
They are maternal mouth brooders. The female usually spawns on a flat rock. After the male fertilizes the eggs, she immediately takes the female into her throat pouch for mouth brood care and keeps the fry in her throat pouch even after they hatch. After about 4 weeks, the fry are released and brood care ends. During the entire brood care, the female does not take any food.
Fry must be fed several times a day with special rearing food (Artemia nauplii). In community tanks breeding is hardly possible, because the fry is easy prey.
Important
The well-being of the fish should be checked regularly. The temperature should be checked daily, the pH, hardness and nitrate value at least every 14 days. A regular partial water change is recommended, even if the pollutant load 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: Sylvia Hos; Image: fRANZ lOWAK
Source: BMELV (1998): Tierschutzgutachten - Haltung von Zierfischen (Süßwasser); RIEHL & BAENSCH (2006): Aquarien Atlas Bd. 1, Mergus Verlag; ENGELMANN (2005): Zootierhaltung - Tiere in menschlicher Obhut: Fische, Verlag Harri Deutsch
- Gemäß § 21 Abs. 5 Tierschutzgesetz idgF