| Family: |
CICHLIDAE |
| Species: |
Xystichromis phytophagus |
| Common Name: |
Christmas Fulu cichlid |
| Size: |
Up to 4.5in (11.4cm) |
| Habitat: |
AFRICA: Extinct in Lake Victoria. It still thrives in the Yala Swamp and possibly in Lake Kanyaboli |
| Min Tank Size: |
48in. (At least 55 gallons if you are wishing to
keep two males due to territorial behavior.) |
| Diet: |
Omnivorous: Accepting all types of flake and frozen
food. Since they eat decomposing plant material in the wild, an
emphasis on plant material such as spirulina is encouraged. |
| Behavior: |
Aggressive with other male Christmas Fulu, keep
a 1 male to 3 female ratio to alleviate female stress and male
aggression. |
| Water: |
72 - 82°F (22-28°C); pH range:
7.5 – 8.2; dH range: 10.0 - 18.0°GH. |
| Care: |
They love to dig, so choose a gravel size appropriate
for a small fish. The Christmas Fulu is actually not a very eager
plant eater and can therefore be combined with most plant species
in that regard, but it is a keen digger and digging can naturally
also be a problem for plants. |
| Communities: |
Rather territorial and should be kept
in a species tank, though remember to keep a 1 male to 3 female
ratio, at least, to alleviate female stress and male aggression.
|
| Suitability: |
Alright for most, including beginners, though some
experience may be necessary due to the few particular measures
required. |
