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Cyprichromis Leptosoma
Size: Up to 5 inches (12.5cm) Origin: Lake Tanganyika Tank: 4 foot recommended. Min 18 inches high. Plenty of swimming space. Be warned these fish think they can fly! Keep tank sealed! Temp: 22 - 25C (72 - 77F) Water: Hard & Alkaline. pH: 7.8 - 9.0 - gH: 12 - 20 Food: Omnivorous. Feed Live, frozen and flake Sexing: Males very colourful with blue dorsal/anal fins and yellow tail fin. See image right. Breeding: Will take place in open water near surface. The female catches the eggs which will hatch in approx 4 weeks. Once fry is swimming parental care ceases. Conditions in shop for the breeding:
Temp
76F Keep this shoaling fish as a group with a greater female to male ratio. Can be kept with rock dwelling cichlids but leave upper levels free. Cyprichromis leptosoma are mid-water schooling cichlids from Lake Tanganyika in East Africa. They come from all over the lake and are found in a cornucopia of colour variants. Their peaceful temperament, vibrant colours, schooling behaviour and the fact that they will occupy the top half of the tank, make them a welcome addition to the Tanganyikan Cichlid aquarium.
Generally very peaceful fish. In the Lake they typically live in schools that number in the thousands but they can wander about in smaller groups. Males stake out three-dimensional territories in mid-water about 100 cm apart from other Cyps, but are willing to let other species or females enter at any time. The males tend to do more "flaring" then actual fighting. Their flaring is actually quite entertaining and keeps the males looking their best. Females are continuously courted and attracted to the male’s territory as soon they enter the three-dimensional breeding area were the spawning takes place.
Cyprichromis are true schooling cichlids, so they must be kept in groups, 6 individual are OK but the more the better. Tank size should be at least 250L (66gall) but bigger is better. In the wild they form large aggregations in mid water, although they do stay close to rocky outcrops, drop-offs or ledges. In the tank, a tall rock wall or ledge should be provided, they will usually swim in the open water in the tank but love also to swim in and around the rocks and will seek refuge there if spooked. At night they will sleep on an angle against the rock wall. In the wild these fish eat plankton out of the mid water, picking anything off that might float or swim by. Their mouths are designed to eat very small pieces or particle of food and extend like little tubes then they suck in the food. In the aquarium they will eat most flakes and frozen foods. Also in the wild, they live in schools that number in the thousands. For the aquarium, they do best in groups of at least twelve or more. In groups of this size, more than one male will almost always be coloured-up. Their presence has an uncanny relaxing effect on the other inhabitants of a community aquarium. By nature, these are a bit skittish and so when they are out in the open, the other occupants seem to think that "it must be safe," Its been noticed that when Cyprichromis are present, the other cichlids spend a greater amount of time out in the open instead of tucked in the rocks or shells. And, as most Cichlids occupy the lower regions of the aquarium, these are a excellent compliment to the Cichlid Aquarium. Cyprichromis leptosoma is a rather small and slender sardine-like cichlid. Its most noteworthy difference from the other Cyprichromis types is its smaller adult size and shallower body. In the aquarium, adult lengths range from 3 – 3½ inches (7½ – 9 cm). Larger specimens as long as 4½ inches (11½ cm) are sometimes found in the wild, but these are rare. It is not unusual for females to grow as large as males. Juveniles will begin to breed at lengths as small as 1¾ inches. Maximum size usually requires a full two years to attain. Growth is slow but steady. Consistent, frequent feedings and clean water are important factors for helping it along. When spooked (which is a common occurrence), they will dart down and across the bottom. Live plants are a viable option since they neither eat nor uproot them. Plants will offer protection to young and function as an additional hiding place when adults retreat. Close inspection reveals that the outer teeth of Cyprichromis are not very formidable; they therefore rely on their pharyngeal teeth to chew and grind food into sizes that can then be swallowed. It is important to keep this in mind when selecting their diet. Remember that their mouths have been designed to eat very small food particles. The danger exists that if the wrong type of food is fed it may become lodged and stuck. In addition to small pellets and premium flake foods, other suitable foods include black worms, glass worms, red worms, brine shrimp, daphnia, and plankton. What else can I say? This excellent and beautiful fish makes me want to change from community tropical to Cichlid? A must have for the Cichlid enthusiast! January 2007: A successful spawning has raised fry in the shop. Another brood is on the way. Click on image to enlarge:
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