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Almost a year ago when I started to keep fish, I seemed to bump with
the word “Cichlid” every way I turned. To surf the web and stump over
some kind of cichlid would be almost a daily occurrence. As a result,
I decided to investigate further to see what the heck was the apparent
obsession all about.
Well, later on, I found out what all hoopla was about. The word “cichlidae”
refers to an enormous fish family, which inhabits almost all corners
of the globe. Among them, a group seems to always deserve a separate
section: the African cichlids.
This term “African Cichlids” refer to cichlids inhabiting the three
largest lakes of the African continent: Lake Victoria, Lake Malawi
and Lake Tanganyika. Of these three, the last two are rift lakes; Lake
Victoria has larger surface area but it is relatively shallow (Axelrod,
16). The cichlids in these lakes are quite varied raging from real small
species to huge ones; “… the smallest cichlid is reported to be Lamprologus
multifasciatus, which only measures 35 mm” (1 inch and a ½) … “the
largest is Boulengerochromis microlepis, which attains a length
of over 900 mm” (over 3 feet). (Axelrod, 29)
The largest number of cichlids species can be found in Lake Malawi that
boasts an extraordinary number of “255 described species” (Axelrod,
28). As a result, it is safe to say that most African cichlids you are
likely to encounter in your local fish store are either descendants
or direct imports from this lake.
View of Otter point, Lake Malawi.
Photo from: Cichlids from eastern Africa, Tetra Press.
Before describing these cichlids in detail, there is another interesting
and important factor for the fish keeper to know: the lakes’ water chemistry.
The water of these lakes is alkaline in contrast with the pH most aquarists
are used to dealing with which is for the most part, neutral or slightly
acidic. These lakes all have pH values above neutral thus, “…Malawi
7.7 to 8.6… Tanganyika 8.6 to 9.2… Victoria 7.1 to 9.0…” (Axelrod, 16)
For the purposes of this article I will concentrate to probably the
most kept African cichlids: The Mbuna. “Mbuna” is an African word pronounced
“um-boo-na” and it literally means “rockfish” (Boruchowitz, 1). The
Mbuna cichlid are all cichlids which inhabit the rocky coasts of Lake
Malawi although, not all Malawi cichlids are rock dwellers; Lake Malawi
also houses other kind of cichlids like the peacock (utaka) cichlids
and some species of the Haplocrhomis family which inhabit open areas
within the lake.
Mbunas come in various shapes and sizes. They also display an array
of interesting peculiarities that seem to be adaptations to the biotope
of the lakes. For example, some Malawi cichlids have developed large
fleshy lips that seem to be sensory in nature, which they use to press
against rocks to find food. Others, like the Labeotropheous, have developed
what seems to be a projecting snout (If one sees them up close, this
snout makes them look like they were very, very sad…) also; it seems,
for better feeding. (Axel rod, 41, 44). However, despite these incredible
adaptations, the Mbuna are probably the most interesting because of
the polymorphism of some of the species. Polymorphism means “many forms”
and it refers to the varied colors, patterns, bars and so on, found
in certain species. In lake Malawi the king of polymorphism is the Pseudotropeous
Zebra (Axelrod, 45) because it displays an incredible collection
of beautiful colors and patters. The Pesudotropheous Zebra “comes in
several different patterns such as dark vertical bars on a light background
(called the BB morph) or orange with black blotches (OB) and in several
solid colors (white, blue, red, orange, etc.). Variations on the basic
pattern also occur.” (Axelrod, 45).
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Photo from: Cichlids from eastern Africa, Tetra
Press.
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I myself keep some BB, OB and variations (such a BB which is light
orange with bluish bars).
Another incredible trait of this fascinating family of fish is their
breeding techniques. If you check Badman’s section on breeding you will
find the “mouthbreeders”. This word refers to fish that either fertilize
and keep their batch safe in their mouth or fertilize the eggs outside
and then, pick up the eggs and keep them in their mouth until they become
full formed and free swimming fry. Just to be able to watch this spectacle
is good enough reason to consider keeping this fish.
If you do decide to keep Mbuna there are some things you have to keep
in your mind.
- Size of tank: Most Mbuna grow to around 8 to 9 inches as a result,
you have to plan for when they become full adults and reach their
normal length.
- Water chemistry: As I mentioned before, the pH value of the water
of these lakes is alkaline. Do read before about the requirements
of the particular specie you wish to keep and then, read about how
to obtain and keep this desired values.
- Salt: Although some authors recommend the use of salt, I do this
carefully. I add just a tiny bit of a prepared mix recommended for
Malawi cichlids. You can find this in any of the mail order shops.
- Aquascape and Aggressive Behavior: Because Mbuna are highly territorial
you should try to prepare your tank in a way that enables them to
form and defend territories, much like they do in the wild. Also,
you have to keep in mind the word “Mbuna” and provide them with lots
of rocks and caves. As for plants, if you decide to use live plants,
go for Vallisneria that naturally grows in this lake and it is quite
prepared to thrive in this water.
- Food: There are a large number of prepared foods you can give to
your Mbuna. Pellets and flakes are all acceptable as long as they
are good quality and especially directed for African cichlids. You
can (should) vary their diet and provide them with some vegetable
matter such as spinach or lettuce. Also, please add some protein in
the form of live brine shrimp or bloodworms.
- Maintenance: Just as you do for any other fish tank, regular water
changes are a necessity. I do a 25% water change every week and a
50% water change once a month. Also, you should vacuum the gravel
often just as you would do with any other kind of fish.
This is pretty much the secret to keeping African cichlids. They are
not, contrary to popular belief, a hard fish although I agree that beginners
should start to experience with other kind of fish.
Do consider keeping this fish. They have wonderful personalities and
interact greatly with their keepers. Besides, their incredible behaviors
will keep you entertained and relaxed for a long, long time.
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