Tanganyikan Cichlids

[Ged]

I thought I would post this up. This is part one. Your thoughts, comments and advice are always appreciated.

Tanganyikan cichlids were considered difficult to keep when they started exporting fish from the lake in the 1950s. As enthusiasts developed a greater understanding of the water chemistry of the lake and the behaviour of the fishes they are no longer considered difficult but they still require diligence to ensure that they are maintained in optimal conditions.

The desired water conditions for keeping Tanganyika cichlids is a pH higher than 7.5, preferably between 7.8 and 9.5. Water temperature would be between 23 - 27 C with a total hardness of 11-17 dH, and carbonate hardness being between 16 and 19 dH. The water chemistry can be maintained through the use cichlid salts to a the inclusion of a suitable substrate or the addition of limestone rock features to the inclusion of shells or coral to the external filter.

Tanganyika cichlids are diverse in the physiological and behavioural characteristics with each having evolved to find a niche within the ecology of the lake. Broadly speaking they can be divided into a number of distinct groups according to Ad Konings based their physiological and behavioural characteristics even those from different genus.

The Julidiochromis Group consists of small, elongated cichlids that normally do well in pairs. They range from 7 - 15 cms in size. Julidiochromis and Chalinochromis are normally solitary when juveniles but will then form pairs as they become adults. Telmatochromis are found in small groups with T. dhonti and T. temporalis normally form pairs and will then not tolerate other tank mates of the same species. Most of species in this group are cave spawners but Chalinochromis and T. dhonti and T. temporalis like to spawn between rocks as well.

C. popelini (Photo by Yew)

The Brichardi Group includes such species as Neolamprologus brichardi, N. buescheri, N. falcicula, N. gracillis, N. marunguensis, N. pulcher and N. splendens. This group are rock dwellers and will set up a territory focused on a cave. Some species such as N. brichardi and N. buescheri are best kept as a solitary pair in a tank whilst the others may be kept as multiple pairs with adjoining territories each defending their own cave. N. brichardi and N. buescheri are best started a group when juveniles and as they start to pair up remove the remaining fish and leave the pair to breed. Ideally their diet can be supplemented with frozen Cyclops and Artemia.

N. brichardi (Photo by Ged)

N buescheri (Photo by Shellfish)

The Leleupi Group are solitary predators with both males and females defending their territory as they see others as competitions for the search of food. The group not only includes Neolamprologus leleupi and a raft of others from this genus it also includes Lepidiolamprologus elongatus, L. kendalli and Altolamprologus fasciatus. All these species have very similar morphology and behaviour and as such will tolerate other non-conspecific species but will not for the most part each other in the group. For this reason they are best as pair of one species.

L. elongatus (Photo by Ged)

Reference

Enjoying Cichlids - A Cichlid Keeping Guide Ad Konings (Editor), 2002 Publisher Cichlid Press

[aqc]

Nice write up Ged and photos too.

Can you ask your friend with the elongatus if they would like a playmate?

Cheers

Ian

[Ged]

Ian I photographed the the L. elongatus down at Rayonne Aquarium (Melb) a couple of years ago when Goldenswimmer was looking for them. I believe he now has a breeding colony. Vadnapper here on the forum also breeds them and ships fish.

[Link2Hell]

as a side note Rayonne aquarium will close in September

good post Ged nice start to a Tang species thread

[Ged]

Very sad to hear that Mick and Michelle are closing the door due the sale of the building they have rented for many many years. Rayonne has always had great quality fish and the ability to find some of rarer species, coupled with excellent knowledge.

Hopefully they will reopen in another location down the track.