Sardine Cichlid (Cyprichromis leptosoma)
| Sardine Cichlid Cyprichromis leptosoma | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Name | Sardine Cichlid |
| Name Lat. | Cyprichromis leptosoma |
| Family | Cichlids |
| Family lat. | Cichlidae |
| Order | Cichlids |
| Order lat. | Cichliformes |
| Origin | Lake Tanganyika |
| Habitat | Intermediate zone |
| Diet | Carnivore |
| pH | 7.5-9.0 |
| Behavior | Peaceful |
| Keeping | Group |
| Care Level | Moderate |
| Reproduction | Mouthbrooder |
| Breeding | Moderately difficult |
| Life Span | 6-8 years |
| Protection | No |
| Metric Units | |
| Size | 10-12 cm |
| Temperature | 24-28 °C |
| Hardness | 15-18 °dH |
| Aquarium | 120 cm / 240 l |
| US Units | |
| Size | 3.9"-4.7" |
| Temperature | 75-82 °F |
| Hardness | 267-320 ppm |
| Aquarium | 65 gal |
Distribution and habitat
The carping cichlids are found exclusively (endemically) in the southern part of Lake Tanganyika. They are site-faithful schooling fish that live in the open water near steep rock faces over open sandy areas at a depth of 5-40m
Maintenance
The aquarium setup should have rock structures on the back wall that reach the water surface, with plenty of hiding places (caves, crevices, shelters) and some hardy plants, as well as plenty of swimming space.
No ammonia, ammonium and nitrite should be detectable, the nitrate value 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
In nature they feed on insect larvae and plankton. The food supply consists mainly of small live or frozen food, such as cyclops, daphnia, artemia and black mosquito larvae or a commercially available frozen special food mixture for plankton eaters, supplemented with high-quality dry food for cichlids (granules, pellets), which is usually well accepted after acclimatization. Preserved plankton is also very readily accepted
Only as much should be fed as is eaten within a few minutes. A regular and varied diet promotes health and increases resistance.
Behaviour and compatibility
It is recommended to keep these peaceful and swimming fish in a group of at least 7-10 animals, where the number of females should predominate. Only during the breeding season males defend their territory against rivals. Socialization with other Lake Tanganyika cichlids, such as cave breeders or sand cichlids, is well possible
Basically, only compatible fish species with similar demands on water condition and water temperature may be socialized.
Sex dimorphism
The males are much more colorful than the somewhat smaller females, which are predominantly brown-gray in color. Males within a swarm may have yellow or blue caudal fins (dichromatism).
Reproduction and breeding
They are free spawners and maternal mouth brooders. The female spawns in open water and takes the sinking eggs (5-20 pieces) for mouth brood care in the throat sac, where they are fertilized. After about 4 weeks, the fry leave the female's mouth and brood care ends. In the wild, juvenile fish form large schools at the water surface. Fry must be fed several times a day with special rearing food (Artemia nauplii, geopods). In community tanks breeding is hardly possible, because the fry are easy prey.
Important
In their range they have produced numerous differently colored site variants. Different site variants of the carping cichlids should not be kept together, as they can interbreed
The fish retreat at night into shelters of rocky structures. They often stand upside down on rock walls. The aquarium should have a good cover as they can be very skittish and jump out of the aquarium
The well-being of the fish should be checked regularly. Temperature should be checked daily, pH, hardness and nitrate levels 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: Werner Winter; 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