CICHLIDS OF LAKE TANGANYIKA.
Order Perciformes
Family Cichlidae
Subfamily ( Pseudocrenilabrinae )
Genus Aulonocranus.
— Aulonocranus dewindti [Boulenger, 1899]. Synonym: Paratilapia lukugae. Lake Tanganyika – transitional biotopes between rocky and sandy zones. 12 cm. A distinctive feature is large round eyes. The male is gray with 6-7 bluish and orange longitudinal stripes and 2-3 non-relief black spots, scales with a bluish tint. Males are larger than females and have yellow and blue color dots on the body sides and unpaired fins, ventral fins are strongly elongated. Because of their long, elongated ventral fins, they are called featherfin cichlids. Dorsal fin and tail with yellow and blue patterns. All fins darken when the male expresses emotions. Mature males are black. Females are silvery-beige.
Morphs available: — A. dewindti “Isanga”; — A. dewindti “Katonda”; — A. dewindti “Kigoma”; — A. dewindti “Mabilibili”; — A. dewindti “Ndole”; — A. dewindti “Nkamba Bay”; — A. dewindti “Rutunga”; — A. dewindti “Tanzanie”; — A. dewindti “Wampembe”; — A. dewindti “Zambia”.
The aquarium should be quite large, as the fish swim actively and later, during the breeding period, claim a large area. Males are territorial, aggressive towards conspecifics and other fish families. Several males can be kept together in the same aquarium if it is large enough and well-arranged into separate zones. It is better to keep them not in pairs, but in small harem groups of 1 male and 3-7 females. Do not damage plants. Get along well with other Tanganyikan cichlids. An aquarium with large areas of open substrate consisting of fine or medium sand. The bottom area must be at least 150×50 cm.
The bottom is recommended to be covered with fine or medium river sand of a not very light shade; the sand layer at the bottom should be at least 8 cm. Sand is necessary for the life process of this species, as males build large spawning “nests” up to 25 cm in diameter. Stone decorations should be placed near the back wall and in the corners of the aquarium, where females and low-ranking young males will hide in crevices and caves. They occupy the middle water layers. Inhabiting caves and leading a nocturnal lifestyle, these fish, thanks to their abilities, can track prey in the dark near the very bottom.
They feed, as a rule, either at night or at twilight, successfully using their sensitive sensory systems for this purpose, which help catch the slightest movements of prey in the substrate under minimal light conditions. Ideal foods for these fish are flakes and granules with a high proportion of plant matter, as well as Artemia.
During reproduction, they build large sand nests. When the female is ready for spawning, she usually separates from the rest (females usually stand in a group as far away from the male as possible) and swims to the male at the spawning site. Upon seeing the female, the male becomes almost dark and begins to swim and dance along the edge of the pit he has dug. Usually, this involves spreading fins, trembling, sudden movements, and turns. When the ritual is performed, spawning begins. Females incubate eggs in their mouths. Large females can produce up to 40 fry. When the fry finally leave the female’s mouth, their length usually reaches 10 mm. This fish is recommended for experienced aquarists. T 25-27°C; pH 7.8-8.5; dH 10-20°.
Identification: Aulonocranus dewindti.
Benthochromis horii, melanoides, tricoti.
