The information posted here is intended primarily for beginners, in order to help a beginner get comfortable with setting up an aquarium and keeping Malawian cichlids as quickly as possible. Therefore, in my articles I will try to do without abstruse scientific terms and convey information in simple, everyday language. In order to successfully maintain an aquarium at home and maintain the health of your pets at the proper level, it is not at all necessary to know the structure of the jaws and teeth of each individual species and at what angle they scrape algae from stones in nature. I hope the pros will forgive me for my inaccurate s scientific point in terms of formulation. I myself am a practitioner, not a theorist. Therefore, the information that is this moment I don't need it for practical application, I just don't remember. I hope my modest knowledge will be enough to help a beginner get comfortable with such a variety of cichlid species from Lake Malawi, take the first right steps in mastering aquarium keeping and avoid numerous mistakes and disappointments.

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Where to begin? Selecting species of Malawian cichlids and setting up an aquarium.

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So, you have decided to keep Malawian cichlids at home. Since the cichlids of Lake Malawi are divided into two groups, Mbuna and Utaka (to Utaka, for ease of understanding, I will conditionally include other species close to them, such as the Kaiser group, which includes Aulonokara and other species similar in content), first you need decide who exactly you want to keep. Keeping species from two groups together is quite possible, but for beginners, I would advise you to focus on acquiring species from one group.
The Mbuna group mainly includes species that in nature feed on algal fouling and the zooplankton living in them. Cichlids of this group, like all herbivorous species, have a long gastrointestinal tract. The average body size of adult individuals is 10-12 cm. This group includes various types of pseudotropheus, metriaclima, cynotilapia, labidochromis, etc.
The Utaka group includes predators and species that in nature feed primarily on food of animal origin, fry of other fish, larvae, crustaceans, etc. They have a short gastrointestinal tract, which contributes to better digestion and absorption of food of animal origin. The body size of adult specimens in an aquarium can reach up to 15-20 cm. This group includes species such as various nimbochromis, scienochromis, protomelas, aulonocara (Kaiser group), which have a similar type of nutrition, etc.
For successful maintenance at home, an aquarium of at least 200 liters is recommended for species of the Mbuna group. For the Utaka group - at least 300 liters. On average, the fish stocking density is calculated per 10 liters of water per 1 adult fish for the Mbuna group. For the Utaka group - 15-20 liters of water per adult.
In nature, the cichlids of Lake Malawi stay mainly near the bottom. Therefore, the height of the aquarium does not matter big role. It is better to choose an aquarium with large area bottom in length and width. Male Malawian cichlids are territorial and, as a rule, occupy a certain place in the aquarium near stones and grottoes, driving away other males from it. It is advisable to arrange stones and decorations in such a way that they stand in groups with free space separating them. Then there is a high probability that there will be several dominant males in the aquarium, each living near its own territory.
In small aquariums, beginners are faced with a common problem: when the fish grows and the first spawnings begin, the dominant male takes up almost all the space and the rest of the inhabitants just modestly hang out somewhere in the corners and crevices of the scenery and are usually pale in color. And sometimes dominants simply beat their rivals to death in the territory. There is little aesthetic pleasure from contemplating such a picture. Therefore, you should not skimp on a more spacious aquarium.
Lake Malawi cichlids do not form pairs. For spawning, one male and any number of females are enough. Therefore, if you are not going to engage in professional breeding, then the sex ratio of one species is not of fundamental importance. It is recommended to take at least 5-6 individuals of the same species in order to dispel intraspecific aggression and with a greater likelihood of obtaining individuals of different sexes, since it is quite difficult to guess the gender of a fry measuring 3-4 cm. If you purchase already adult individuals, then the ideal combination of sexes would be 1 male and several females, or 3 males (to disperse aggression between them) and several females.
Recommended water parameters: Temperature 24-28 degrees, general hardness Gh 12 degrees or more, alkalinity Ph 7.2 - 8. Malawians quite easily adapt to deviations in water parameters in one direction or another. So you don’t have to worry too much about this issue if deviations from the recommended parameters are insignificant. In most cases, the water coming from your tap at home is quite suitable in its parameters. It is enough to measure the total hardness Gh and if it is more than 10-12 degrees, then it is quite suitable for any type of Malawi.
If you want to create conditions for your pets that are close to their natural biotope, then quartz sand and stones would be the ideal solution for decorating an aquarium. It is better to select sand or soil with a fraction of no more than 2-3 mm. Also keep in mind that cichlids really like to dig in the ground, so it is better to place the decorations on the bottom of the aquarium, and then lay the soil so that the fish do not dig under the stones and the structure does not collapse.
Most species of aquarium plants that act as nitrate absorbers in aquariums will be mercilessly eaten in a cichlid fish. The only exceptions are Cryptocorynes, Anubias and Vallisneria. But the young shoots of these plants are still gnawed by Malawians, and the old leaves gradually die off. So you won’t have to admire the greenery in the aquarium for a long time. However, I have also seen rare exceptions to these rules. So it’s quite possible to experiment.

It is also very important to establish good filtration and biobalance in the aquarium. I will not dwell on this issue in detail. I highly recommend studying articles about the nitrogen cycle, which are abundant on the Internet. well, for example Here. Every novice aquarist should know this. After the nitrogen cycle has been established in the aquarium, water changes of 30-40% once a week are required to remove nitrates. This is the minimum required for Malawian cichlids.

In principle, this information is enough for you to learn it and feel free to start an aquarium with Malawians at home.

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Feeding Malawian cichlids.

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Having reached sexual maturity, which is an average of 6-8 months, most species of Malawian cichlids begin to spawn regularly and bear offspring. During spawning, the male becomes quite aggressive, driving away other neighbors in the aquarium from the territory chosen for spawning and luring the female there, where fertilization of the eggs occurs. After fertilization, the female takes the eggs into her mouth and carries them until the fry is fully formed. The female bearing the offspring can be easily identified by the swollen lower part of the jaw, the so-called goiter. The duration of gestation of eggs depends on the temperature of the water in the aquarium. The higher the temperature, the faster ripening occurs. On average it takes 15-18 days. All this time, the female practically does not feed, although sometimes some individuals quite successfully catch small fractions of food.

Malawian cichlids, as a rule, do not care for the fry in the aquarium and after the formed fry is released by the female, it is eaten by its neighbors in the aquarium. But if there is a sufficient number of shelters, a small part of the fry has a chance of survival.

If you want to completely preserve the offspring, then the best solution would be to shake the fry out of the female’s mouth on the 14th-15th day of gestation and place it in a separate small aquarium, where you will successfully raise it. This is done as follows: fill a small bowl aquarium water, prepare a handkerchief soaked in water or a cloth of suitable size in advance. Take a thin hose from the compressor about 50-70 cm long and cut one end of it diagonally. Wrap the female's body in a wet scarf so that one head is visible. You lower the female into a bowl of water, carefully open the fish’s jaw with the cut end of the hose, and take the other end of the hose into your mouth and begin to drive water through it so that it blows the fry out of the female’s jaws, which must be opened wide enough so that the blown larvae are not damaged. about the female's teeth. After this, place the female back into the aquarium and the fry into the aquarium.

It is not recommended to place the female in a separate aquarium while the fry is gestating so that she can independently release it at the time of maturation. Firstly, you may not be able to keep track of the moment the fry is released and the female may eat it. Very rarely, Malawian cichlids show care for their offspring. Secondly, the removed female may not be accepted back into the general aquarium and may be driven away, because cichlids develop their own hierarchy with a constant composition in the aquarium, and by removing the female from the aquarium you violate this very hierarchy. If the female is absent for a long time, she may be perceived as a newcomer and not allowed to re-establish herself.

If you shake out the eggs too early and the larva is not yet fully formed and is not able to swim on its own, it can be placed in a special incubator, which naturally needs to be prepared in advance. If you have an incubator, the eggs can be shaken out in the very first days of gestation by the female.

During the first days, the fry is fed with small cyclops, artemia nauplii and powdered dry food. You need to feed at least 2-3 times a day. It is possible more often, up to 4 times. When the fry reaches a size of 3-4 cm, it can be released into a common aquarium with medium-sized adult fish, if they are not predators.

Content:

Cichlids are the most common and favorite fish of many aquarists. These fish are widely known throughout the world and are found mainly in America and Asia. The cichlid family belongs to the order Perciformes and has a wide variety of species. Cichlids from African lake Malawi appeared in European countries relatively recently and immediately attracted the attention of all amateurs and experienced aquarium specialists. Malawian cichlids are distinguished by their distinctive bright appearance, large size and interesting character.

Pseudotropheus zebra

Cichlids

Aulonocara orchid edit

Cichlids inhabit the waters various countries, many of them are commercially available, and some species are on the verge of extinction. These fish have a high, laterally compressed body and a single fin on the back. Their color becomes especially bright during the breeding season. The head is large, and with age, some species develop a fatty growth on the forehead. The lips are full, the front rays on the fins are hard. The fins are elongated, longer in males than in females.

Most cichlids are predatory; they fiercely defend their personal territory and can even attack large rivals.

Aquarium species of large cichlids and their maintenance at home do not pose any special problems, unlike representatives of small species. Big fish are able to recognize the owner, allow them to be fed by hand and react to events occurring outside the aquarium.

Features of Lake Malawi

Labidochromis yellow

The history of the discovery of Lake Malawi is associated with the name of the Scottish explorer of the African continent, David Livingstone, who discovered this freshwater lake in 1859. Initially, the reservoir was called “Nyasa,” but after the state gained independence, the lake was given the name “Malawi,” which translated means “shining light above the lake.” The lake lies along the borders of three countries: Tanzania, Mozambique and Malawi. It is part of one of the largest lakes on the planet; several of its islands are declared nature reserves.

The territory of Lake Malawi is the only park in this state; it contains over 500 species of cichlids, most of which are endemic.

Kinds

Red zebra

All Malawian cichlids are divided into 2 large groups: "mbuna" and "utaka". Mbuna cichlids, which means “rock attackers,” are distinguished primarily by their diet, which includes plant foods. The main representatives of mbuna fish are labidochromis, melanochromis, and pseudotropheus. The color of the fish is very bright, they reach up to 15 cm in size.

These herbivorous cichlids feed on algal fouling, stripping it from stones. They have a mouth structure that is convenient for such a process. At a younger age, fish eat zooplankton, but later they simply need to eat plants. If you give them live food too often, they will quickly become obese and lose their ability to reproduce.

The “utaka” group includes cyrtocara, aulonocara, and haplochromis. On the contrary, fish eat live food and can eat their relatives. They are distinguished by their larger sizes, reaching up to 20 cm; the color of their females is much more modest.

Some of the most beautiful Malawian cichlids are considered to be various types of aulonocara, yellow and cornflower blue labidochromis.

Basic conditions of detention

Haplochromis cornflower

To decorate the landscape of the aquarium, shells, driftwood, grottoes, caves, and pots are used. Such decor will additionally serve as a shelter for fish. Aquarium cichlids are not averse to digging in the soil, which should be of medium size. Therefore, when planting living plants in an aquarium, you need to choose ones with strong roots and cover them with weights and stones. Suitable plants include Echinodorus and Sagittaria latifolia. Fish also find food in plants with delicate leaves and floating duckweed.

African cichlids- lively and aggressive, quarrelsome with neighbors and relatives, but also charming, bright, unique. They easily adapt to new conditions, are quite resistant to diseases, are not picky about food, and do not need high water temperature. Capable of reproducing in the same conditions where they are kept. But they do not tolerate high acidity of water and its low hardness; they need: dH 10-20°, pH 7.0-8.5, T 25°C. Lake cichlids feed on insect larvae and protozoan algae that cover underwater rocks. You can imitate rocks by building a rock out of pebbles with a system of caves, passages and corridors, preferably the entire height of the back wall of the aquarium. In ordinary aquariums, marble and limestone are not used; in aquariums with cichlids, they can be used without restrictions. Few plants are used, such as lemongrass, oak, bolbitis, vallisneria and some others. It is necessary to ensure that the surface of the rock and the side windows are overgrown with algae. They are demanding about the purity of water; in their natural environment they do not live in water contaminated with organic matter, therefore n. filter with an activated carbon element, drain at least 10% of the water weekly, replacing it with fresh water. T in African lakes practically does not fluctuate, so fish cannot tolerate sudden changes in T and drops below 22°C. The unacceptability of changes in temperature is evidenced by the fact that cichlids from Taganyik feel great at 27°C, but with an increase of only 3°C the fish die.

Species of African cichlids

Princess of Burundi(Larnprologus brichardi)

Before 10 cm, O. Taganyika (C. Africa), an insectivorous species, jumping - cover the aquarium with glass. Keep in a flock of 6-10 individuals, which will allow the formation of several full-fledged pairs. The female lays eggs in a flower pot or rock shelter. IN the whole flock takes part in raising the young. Pairs spawn simultaneously or with a short interval. The fry almost simultaneously swim out of the shelter and, mixed together, swim in a school. It must be taken into account that established couples should not be separated under any circumstances.

Parrot cichlid (Pelvacachromis pulcher)

Otherwise, Pelvicachromis pulcher, kribensis, pied parakeet (Pelvacachromis kribensis)- a species of dwarf cichlids, suitable for beginner aquarists, described in 1901, previously included in the genus Pelmatochromis ( Pelmatochromis). Other types of Pelvicachromis: n. reticulate(P. subocellatus), n. taeniatus(P. taeniatus) and others. Africa: Nigeria, Cameroon, Ethiopia, the species is found both in fresh waters with low hardness, and in the coastal zone at the mouths of rivers with brackish water.
Before 10 cm, the color tone is pinkish, there are horizontal dark stripes along the middle of the body and along the back, the abdomen is pink-red. The dorsal and caudal fins are light yellow along the edges; they often have dark round spots, also bordered by a yellow stripe. From different places habitats often differ in color. Albino forms, yellowish-pink, have been bred.
In nature it feeds on invertebrates, in an aquarium: any type of live, frozen and artificial food. T 23-27°C, acidity pH 6.5–7.5, hardness dH 8-16. For papra 70 l. M. in a general aquarium from 80 l., with b. bottom area. N. shelters, thickets of plants, snags, caves. Does not damage plants, during the breeding season, you can dig holes under the roots. M. with strong, proportionate fish. Paired, kept in the lower and middle. layers of water. They consider a suitable shelter - a grotto, a cave - to be the center of their territory; they are especially actively guarded during the spawning period. With a small area of ​​the bottom of the aquarium, they come into conflict with other species of cichlids. To reduce aggressiveness, delimit the bottom area with large snags, stones, and bushes of plants.
The male is larger than the female. Female, which is not so common in fish, is colored brighter male - the stripes on the body are more contrasting, the rounded abdomen is bright crimson; the spots on the dorsal and caudal fin are numerous, brighter than those of the male. Spawn easily in a common aquarium. The masonry is in a shelter. Protected eggs and subsequently fry both parents. Sometimes (especially when kept without neighbors) clashes arise between the male and female for the right to care for the fry. In this case, the “extra” parent must be removed. The fry are large; Artemia nauplii and ground dry food are suitable as starter food.

Melanochromis Johana

Before 10 cm, Malawian coastal cichlid. Males – blue-black With blue stripes or spots females- yellow- orange. When the female reproduces contain eggs laid in the mouth(up to 50 units). Here they go through a development cycle for 17-20 days. During this period, the female does not feed, hiding in one of the caves. To ensure a constant flow of fresh water to the eggs, the fish constantly works with its gills. During this period, it is better to place the female in a separate container, in which she will not be disturbed by other fish and will not be confused by the food. The fry that emerge from the eggs eventually begin to go out for walks. When the slightest sign of danger appears, the female presses her throat to the ground and opens her mouth wide. As if on a signal, the fry quickly swim into the mouth, hiding there. Feeding the fry: Artemia nauplii and live dust. Juveniles of Johana are yellow, and males acquire their typical coloration after a few months, almost reaching sexual maturity. Johans are very active and willingly take any food. They get along calmly with other fish, both large and small.

Labidochromis Hummingbird(Labidochromis caeruleus)

Labidochromis caeruleus yellow- in aquariums, yellow morphs of the species Labidochromis caeruleus are more common; the first specimen of this species was found. bluish color ( caeruleus – blue). Now about 10 color variations species - from almost white to blue and yellow. Endemic to Lake Malawi, the yellowfish lives in western waters. lake shore. Dr. morphs of this species are also found near the east. coast. They occupy rocky areas at depths of up to 20-30 meters, where thickets of Vallisneria are found. They feed on rock-dwelling crustaceans and mollusks, insects and small fish. In nature up to 8 cm, in an aquarium up to 10 cm. The body is strong, elongated, bright yellow in color. Along the top edge dorsal fin and along the lower edge of the anal fin runs a black stripe, which develops in adult fish and is brightest in males.
This species is one of the most rare species of cichlids found in their natural habitat, and only thanks to breeders they are present in amateur aquariums. Relate to the Mbuna group of Malawian cichlids– mobile inhabitants of rocky placers. Popular not only because of their bright colors, but also because relatively peaceful disposition compared to other Malawian cichlids. In good conditions they live 6-10 years. Mostly in nature carnivorous, in the aquarium accepts all types of live, frozen and dry food. Plant and animal feed components should occupy approximately equal shares in the diet, to improve coloring, introduce food rich in carotene. T 24-28 C, acidity (pH) 7.2 -8.8, hardness (dH) 10-20, from 120 l., better from 200 l. and more. Strong current, high-quality filtration and regular water changes. The soil is made of fine sand or coral chips. Create rocky terrain with many caves and crevices where pursued individuals can hide. The plants are fine, but you need rigid-leaved species with a strong root system. M. in pairs or from 1 male and several females. Show aggressiveness to the species similar in color and shape bodies. Other non-warlike species of cichlids of the Mbuna group, aulonocara, some lamprologus, and synodontis catfishes are suitable as neighbors.
Males are a bit b. females, during spawning b. brightly colored, the scales acquire a bluish sheen, also b. the black edge of the fins is noticeable, and pectoral fins painted black. Sometimes black spots develop on the lower part of the body. Special conditions No need to create for spawning. Aquarium from 80 l, stone or ceramic grottoes. The eggs are laid on a pebble, after which the female collects them in her mouth. The young leave the mother's mouth after 25-40 days. For a week after this, the female continues to care for the fry.

Pseudotropheus demasoni

Described in 1994, refers to dwarf species cichlid group Mbuna(from the language of the indigenous Tonga people - “stone fish” or “ inhabitants of the stones"). Like many others. other African cichlids, easily crosses with related species. Endemic to Lake Malawi, in the coastal rocks and scree of the lake shore in Tanzania. Them. the elongated torpedo-shaped body shape typical of cichlids of the Mbuna group. Dimensions up to 7.5 cm. Body coloring is alternating vertical stripes of dark blue, bluish and almost black. 6 dark and 5 light stripes, starting with a dark stripe behind the gill cover and ending with a dark stripe at the base of the caudal fin. On the head there are 3 blue stripes alternating with 2 black ones, one of which passes between the eyes, and the 2nd passes through the forehead and connects with the 1st black stripe of the body. Dorsal, anal and caudal fins. along the edge there is a thin light blue stripe shaded with a darker blue color. In good conditions, the lifespan is up to 10 years.
Omnivorous, but the main share in the diet d. formulate plant feed. M. high-quality food for herbivorous cichlids, as well as natural supplements plant food. This species is not recommended to be kept with fish that eat food of animal origin, because b. the amount of such products can provoke gastrointestinal diseases. T 24-28°C, pH 7.6-8.6, dH 10-18. The water in Lake Malawi is highly mineralized, with an alkaline reaction. It must be taken into account that in water with a high pH, ​​ammonia and other nitrogen compounds become more toxic. Therefore, regular water changes and effective filtration. For a group or for sharing with other species, an aquarium from 300 liters, soil: sand or coral chips. Shelters, rocky terrain with caves and niches in the stones to delimit the territory and reduce fish aggression. Keep in groups of 12 or more to dispel aggression of dominant males towards females and other males. To reduce aggression, from time to time you can change the bottom topography by moving or adding new stones. M. with other species of the Mbuna group. It is better with fish that do not have similar colors. “Non-striped” species such as Labidochromis caeruleus, red and blue zebra (Metriaclima estherae, and M. callainos) are suitable.
In young fish, sexual differences are weakly expressed, then males develop b. long anal fin and well-defined egg spots on it. Refers to the species incubating eggs in the mouth. The female carries up to 15 eggs in her mouth. The fry hatch after 7 days, and after another 2 weeks they begin independent life. Feed them: Artemia nauplii, cyclops, crushed flakes.

Pseudotropheus zebra(Pseudotropheus zebra)

Oz. Malawi. The body is elongated, slightly compressed at the sides, the head is quite large with b. and expressive eyes. The forehead of a sexually mature male. fat pad, and the mouth is covered with thick lips. Long dorsal fin. It is polymorphic, in nature there are at least 50 color variants of this fish, but the most common are considered to be: white, blue, yellow-brown with brown-black spots, double red (the female and the male are red), and red (the female is orange-red and the male blue). Some variants have fry for a long time remain gray, and in other variants they acquire color immediately after hatching. The fish achieve full brightness of color after several spawnings, upon reaching a size of 12 cm. Males defend their space by fighting with each other. If an individual is oppressed by its neighbors, it does not gain full color brightness.

In our country it is more common blue striped shape, body color of male m.b. from light blue to dark blue, and 7-9 transverse stripes are dark in color. Anal fin named after some yellow spots, with a striking black border. Females are yellowish-white. There are many dark brown spots on the fins and throughout the body. The color of the fish directly depends on the age of the individual and its condition. Length up to 14-15 cm.
Feed. 60% of the entire diet: nettle, cabbage, sweet peppers, lettuce, black bread. 40% of the diet is animal food (Cyclops, Daphnia and Coretra). It is animal food that will allow these cichlids to delight with their bright and attractive colors. M. also dry or frozen food
N. contain enough large aquarium, having previously arranged a b. number of grottoes and installing driftwood. The eggs are incubated in the female's mouth. This kind does not create permanent pairs, which is considered rare among cichlids. Immediately after spawning, the formed pair breaks up, and the female independently takes care of her offspring.

Queen of Tanganyika

Otherwise, Cyphotilapia frontosa - lake. Taganika, males up to 35 cm, their distinctive feature is a kind of “philosophical facial expression”. They also stand out for their respectable, reasonable behavior, surprising their owners. high level"fish intelligence" Despite its impressive size - surprisingly peaceful, they not only do not offend their peaceful neighbors, but also dislike small fish with aggressive tendencies. N. large-scale aquariums filled with all kinds of grottoes, caves, snags. Darling food - snails, m. squid, shrimp, frozen mussels, raw sea ​​fish. They are extremely picky about the quality of food, never pounce on food, and before starting a meal, they examine the food for a long time. Such slowness sometimes allows the more nimble neighbors to steal a tasty morsel from under the noses of the cyphotilapia.
Incubation caviar in mouth in females lasts over 50 days. Litter of up to 50 fry. During the incubation period, the female eats small food extremely carefully, thereby feeding those in oral cavity fry Thanks to this, they enter adulthood quite independent and large.

Cintolapia afra

Before 10 cm, the body is elongated and flattened laterally, on the body 6-9 transverse black stripes, the main body color is blue. Their vertical stripes dim or become brighter depending on their mood. Males have 2 or more characteristic yellow spots on the anal fin. Cintilapia afra was found in the island. Malawi, to the north. and center. parts of the lake. They live in the upper layers of water near rocky shores, where they feed on zooplankton and algae of the Aufwuchs species (German - growing on something, is a hard fibrous algae that grows on rocks). Among these algae live insect larvae, crustaceans, mollusks and other zooplankton, which also eat cinotilapia in natural conditions.
Omnivore, but it is better to feed varied: among animal foods he prefers bloodworms, shrimp and squid, sometimes giving him scraped beef heart, among vegetable foods - scalded lettuce leaves, spirulina. It is better to feed a little at a time several times a day rather than a lot at once. 120 l. steamed and about 250 l. for 1 male and 2-3 females. When kept with other species of Malawians, the aquarium will be significantly smaller. sizes. They do well in both fresh and slightly brackish water, but good filtration and aeration of the aquarium is necessary. Crushed coral substrate can help maintain a high pH. They swim in all layers of the aquarium. Hardness dh 6-10°DH, acidity ph 7.7-8.6, T 23-28°C (figures based on water values ​​from Lake Malawi). Acclimatization to a different pH level may sometimes be necessary. achieved, but very slowly. All Malawian cichlids do very poorly in dirty water, so regular water changes of 20-50% per week are necessary, depending on biological load. Keep in groups of 1 male and 3 females. Males are quite aggressive towards each other. M. contain with b. large, but peaceful views Malawian cichlids.
Females named after b. dull color. Males are brighter, they have 2 or b. yellow spots on the anal fin. During the spawning period or during skirmishes with other individuals, their coloring becomes very intense. Crossbreeding with similar cichlids should be avoided to maintain the pure coloration of the species. Easy to breed at home. Ready to breed at the age of 6-8 months. To start spawning, T in the aquarium needs 25-27°C. During the incubation period (20 days), eggs are stored in the female's mouth. After hatching, the female continues to guard the young for some time. Starter food: Artemia nauplii, dry food for fry.

Haplochromis Venustus

Nibochromis Venustus - very smart look. Differ from others in what they prefer open areas of the aquarium. All representatives are very cautious predators, each individual to them. their distinctive techniques. From African rivers and lakes, many in about. Malawi and Malombi. Adults live near the sandy bottom at a depth of 15-20 meters, while fry live in shallow waters near steep cliffs. They feed on small fish and invertebrates. They use an ambush technique, partially burying themselves in the sand to catch small prey.
Up to 25 cm, live up to 10 years. The male is golden in color with a blue tint on the head and a yellow-brown stripe that starts on the nose and runs along the upper part of the body. Females and young individuals named after. beige color with more pronounced brown spots. The female has a golden head, yellow anal and caudal fins. The dorsal fin is lighter. Juveniles look the same as females, but their color is slightly lighter, almost white.
Omnivores, in wildlife feeds on fish, in an aquarium - food with a high protein content (live or frozen). Sometimes they feed small fish, although fish can trigger hunting instincts and, as a result, aggression. Open space is a must for Venustus. They love to dig into the soil, so it's important to make sure plants and large rocks are well secured. Also eat leaves of freshwater plants. Temperature 23-28°C, acidity ph 7.7-8.6, hardness dh 6–10 Kept in groups of 1 male and several females. They will stay in a small flock if there is enough free space (6 to 8 adults per 450 liters of water). It is not recommended to keep with peaceful cichlids.
Reproduction. It is important that the female lays eggs not under strong water pressure, since the eggs have external fertilization. After fertilization, the female collects eggs in her mouth (60-140 eggs) and carries them for 2 weeks. Young animals can eat finely ground flakes.

Haplochromis cornflower(Sciaenochromis fryeri)

Otherwise, Haplochromis Jackson- described in 1993, was found at a depth of 10-40 m in lake. Malawi, b. 200 species. The body of males is bright blue, 9-12 dark vertical stripes, yellow, orange or red anal fins. Females are smaller, silvery with dull vertical stripes, although they can also become colored with age, but not as bright as the males. The fry (up to 1 year) are similar to the females. Lake Malawi cichlids live 7-10 years. Easy to keep, reproduce and raise fry, fish predatory and moderately aggressive, will eat any fish small enough to fit into its mouth.
Differ from other cichlid groups mbuna the fact that prefer open areas of the pool, where there is a sandy bottom and rocks. They live in the center. h.oz. Malawi. IN natural conditions carry out b. hours of time swimming between stones in search of food. There is practically no pure species of Haplochromis on the market, so it is better to avoid crossing. This species should not be confused with a close relative, Sciaenochromis ahli. The coloration of the males of these 2 species is very similar, but with. ahli significantly b. size. Cornflower up to 16 cm length, s. ahli up to 20 cm and requires b. aquarium size. Also noticeable differences are the anal and dorsal fins. At the village akhli on the anal fin named after. several white spots, dorsal fin named after. pronounced white border.
Aquarium from 200 l., length at least 1 m, 1 male with 4 or b. females (to prevent conflicts during spawning). M. with other haplochromiswami and peaceful species of the group Mbuna cichlids. Live, frozen or dry food ( small fish, bloodworms, shrimp, chopped squid, earthworms and granules). Like many others. Cichlids are prone to overeating, so it is necessary to strictly dose food and sometimes arrange fasting days, otherwise the fish may develop a disease such as bloat. Using sea sand or coral substrate can keep the pH level at the desired level. Shelters are needed, for example, grottoes or caves made of stones, also d.b. free space for swimming. They swim in the middle or at the bottom of the aquarium. Hardness dH 6-10°DH, acidity pH 7.7-8.6, T 23-28°C. Territorial and aggressive, especially towards males of the same species.
Fertilization of eggs during spawning takes place not in the mouth in a female, and in the ground(or on another substrate), only after this the female puts caviar in his mouth. The incubation period for the eggs is 22 days, after which the hatched larvae emerge from the female’s mouth. An adult female lays 70 eggs, but fry are produced in 2 r. less. For b. During productive spawning, it is better to take the eggs from the female on the 3-4th day and keep them in an incubator with methylene blue. Starter food: Artemia nauplii, finely ground dry food.

Handsome Chromis (Hemichromis lifalili, Hemichromis bimaculatus)

Otherwise, Chromis Red, under the name there are 2 close species - b. common Hemichromis lifalili And H. bimaculatus, which is distinguished by the presence of a black spot at the base of the caudal fin. Africa, river basin Congo, small rivers and streams with a slow flow and developed riparian vegetation. Description:
Before 12 cm. The color tone is pinkish or reddish-brown, with bluish shiny dots scattered throughout the body and fins. There is a dark spot on the side in the middle of the body (may be absent in some individuals).
In nature it feeds on invertebrates; in an aquarium it feeds on all types of live, frozen and artificial food. To enhance the brightness of the color, feed with a high content of carotene can be given. T 22-27°C, acidity pH 6.5–7.5, hardness dH 4-16. Unpretentious look. For an existing couple, the aquarium is 70 liters, there is a sufficient number of shelters, including thickets of plants, snags, and caves. Fish can undermine plant roots, so it is necessary to use species with a strong root system. Famous for its aggressiveness and territorial character, especially during the spawning period. They are kept in pairs, and the partners themselves must choose each other from a group of young fish. M. with proportionate strong species - some catfish, barbs, Congo tetras. B b. aquariums can be combined with other species of African cichlids - pelvicachromis, lion-headed cichlids (steatocranus).
Sexual differences are weakly expressed, males are slightly darker in color. The main difficulty may arise in pair selection, fish that don’t like each other can fight until fatal outcome. Before spawning, beautiful chromis acquire bright color and actively guard the selected area. At this time, it is better to remove other fish. The eggs are laid on a flat stone, the wall of a clay pot, or sometimes simply on the glass of an aquarium. The parents transfer the hatched larvae to a hole dug in the ground. The fry are large enough to feed on Artemia nauplii.

Tyrannochromis

A small genus of ray-finned fish of the cichlid family, endemic to the lake. Malawi (Nyasa) to East. Africa. 2-4 types: Largemouth cyrtocara (Tyrannochromis macrostoma), formerly Haplochromis macrostoma and Cyrtocara macrostoma; Tyrannochromis nigriventer; Tyrannochromis maculiceps- possibly a morph of Tyrannochromis macrostoma; Tyrannochromis polyodon, formerly Haplochromis polyodon - possibly a morph of Tyrannochromis macrostoma
Tyrannochromis - large predatory fish up to 30 cm, representatives of the Predator (Predatory) group. Large mouth, elongated body and predatory appearance. Pronounced sexual dimorphism – males them. bluish coloring, females – gray-brown. Found everywhere in the lake. Malawi (Nyasa) in hard and alkaline water. They prefer rocky and rocky, sometimes sandy areas without vegetation, at a depth of up to 40 m. They feed mainly on other cichlids, adults and juveniles.
The genus received its name because of its predatory appearance and way of life (from the Latin tyranni - tyrant and chromis (from the Greek χρώμα - color) - colorful, often a generalized name for bright African cichlids, therefore the name of the genus m. interpreted as an “evil cichlid” (compare: “tyrannosaurus” - an evil lizard).
They lead a solitary lifestyle, constantly roaming in search of potential victims. During spawning, males guard the territory. Females carry the fry in their mouths, periodically releasing them to feed. Big fish, so n. aquarium from 1000 l. Like all Lake Malawi cichlids, they need hard alkaline water. In the aquarium, after acclimatization, it eats any food, but preference should be given to large pieces of seafood with a high protein content (fish, shrimp).

Golden parrot (Julidochromis ornatus)

The name is due to its resemblance to a parrot fish. Perfectly adapted to living conditions in an aquarium and do not require adherence to thorough chemical conditions. water composition of the area natural habitat. They live and reproduce at T 20-30°C, dH 6-25°, pH 7.1-9.2. M. in a community aquarium with other fish. Sexual maturity at 8-10 months of age. Males They look more graceful than females, they are smaller in size. Spawning in pairs. The female lays 50-70 eggs in a secluded place several times. The incubation period is 3 days, after a week the fry are able to feed on Artemia nauplii on their own. Typically, parents and b. large fish do not offend the fry. A month later, the spawning of golden parrots repeats. In one aquarium, up to 5 generations of fry from different spawnings can peacefully coexist. Julidochromis live in aquariums for 12 years.
Currently included in the Red Book, their catching in conditions natural environment habitat is prohibited. The most popular among collectors are several species of Julidochromis, similar in appearance and in their habits to Golden Parrots: Julidochromis Dickfeld, Marliera , Regan , Mask .

Dolphin blue

Shallow depths of the lake. Malawi, before 25 cm. Distinctive features are a convex forehead (fat growth) and a protruding mouth; these features create a resemblance to a mammal like a dolphin. Calm, peaceful, but also strong enough to m.b. contain them with b. aggressive and, preferably, small species mbuna from the lake Malawi. Territorial. Male and 2-3 females. Aquariums with a sandy bottom, caves or other shelters, and b. open space for swimming.
The body is elongated and laterally compressed. Body color blue with different quantities black spots on the fins depending on their place of origin. During skirmishes, their color intensifies: the throat and fins become almost black, and the body color becomes bright blue.
They are omnivores, eat all types of live food, prefer food with a high protein content, they can be fed with pieces of beef heart, earthworms, shrimp (live or thawed). They swim in all layers of the aquarium. Hardness dh 10-18°DH, acidity (ph): 7.2-8.8, T 24-26°C. M. with aulonocara bensha, or aulonocara multicolor.
A growth on the forehead develops with age in both males and females. Most often, males are larger and brighter. The easiest way to distinguish a male from a female is by characteristic vertical stripes, the number of which varies from 4 to 7 pieces, and in a female there may be some on the body. a couple of spots instead of stripes. Males also have caudal fins blue color, and in females they are covered with reddish dots. As males age, their foreheads acquire a yellowish tint.
Puberty at 3 years. Reproduce in the absence of other species aquarium fish in aquarium. This type of fish carries fertilized eggs in its mouth. Young females carry 15-25 eggs, and adults carry about 80 eggs. Breeding of these fish is similar to others that carry eggs in the mouth.

Pseudotropheus Lombarde

Popular due to the original pale blue color of the fry. Up to 14 cm. Growing up, males change color from pale blue to bright yellow. But the females, growing up, do not change their color. Males are quite aggressive and may fight with rivals for territory, so keeping two males in a small aquarium is undesirable. The eggs incubate in the female's mouth. On average, a female lays no more than 50 eggs.

Cichlids of Lake MALAWI - photos, maintenance, reproduction of cichlids

Date: 2010-01-18

Lake Malawi and its inhabitants

The cichlids of Lake Malawi are full of colors in aquariums. Lake Malawi (Nyasa) is a unique natural body of water that is part of the Great Lakes of Africa. "Nyasa" in the language of the Bantu linguistic group means " big water". The lake also has another name - Malawi, used in the republic of the same name, which owns most of the coast.

Lake Malawi framed by high (about 1500-3000 m above sea level) blocky mountains and plateaus. It stretches from north to south for 580 km and has a width of 80 km and an area of ​​30 thousand km3. The greatest depth of the lake is 706 m. The temperature of the surface layers of water varies seasonally from 23 to 28°C; at depth it is kept within 22°C all year round.

Photo lake Malawi

In the process of mixing waters, winter southeast winds are of great importance. Where depths do not exceed 300 m, the entire water mass. The annual influx of water into the lake is 70 km3, of which 37 km3 comes from precipitation and 33 km3 from tributaries. Only the Shire River flows out of the lake, carrying 6 cubic kilometers of its waters south to the Zambezi. The remaining 64 km3 is lost due to evaporation. Lake Malawi was formed as a result of tectonic processes 1-2 million years ago.

Inhabitants of Lake Malawi

The ichthyofauna of this reservoir is closely tied to its biotopes. Isolation of populations, plasticity to different habitats and food sources led to the emergence large quantity polymorphic species, the uniqueness of which is enhanced by two factors. Firstly, 98% of all ichthyofauna. especially her cichlid parts are endemic. that is, they live only in the water area of ​​the lake.

Secondly, everything incubate the eggs in the mouth. rocky coast quite varied in nature. Vertical stone walls alternate with a pebble zone consisting of rolled boulders and fragments of stones. In such biotopes, the ichthyofauna is represented by the “Mbuna” group, composed of cichlids of the genera Pseudotropheus, Labeotropheus, Labidochromis, etc. The sandy coast is formed by long beaches of reddish or white sand.

In some places there are thickets of Vallisneria and Hornwort. The main inhabitants are representatives of the "Utaka" group (genus Copadichromis, Protomelas, Cyrtocara). The transition zone between rocks and sand is formed by a bottom made up of large rock fragments. There are also thickets here higher vegetation, and the boulders are covered with a thick algae carpet. The transparency of the water in the lake reaches 20 m. The only exception is the swampy part, the silted areas of sand of which are often stirred up by the lake surf. It must be said that the ichthyofauna of the lake is quite diverse and includes not only cichlids.

Photos of Malawian cichlids

Every year two or three or even more new, previously unknown species are caught, often not always of obvious origin. Such a variety of polymorphic, that is, differing only in color, species, in my opinion, cannot be explained only by the remoteness of island populations, but is most likely a product of natural hybridization.

The fact is that Malawians of different species easily interbreed with each other, even if there are females and males of their own species in the aquarium. All this would, as they say, not be so bad, but the offspring turns out not to be sterile, but actively reproducing and, moreover, without splitting according to parental characteristics. Because of this, having received a batch of hybrids from nature, the aquarist will not be able to thoroughly find out the pedigree of his pets.

On the basis of the ichthyology department of the Moscow Zoo, unique ones were obtained at one time, which can still be seen today. Thus, we obtained productive resistant forms of Ps.zebra (RR) x L.fuellebomi. and after a year, the grown fish were easily crossed with C.boadzulu, Aulonocara nyassae x Melanochromis exasperatus, C.boadzulu x M.crabro, etc. The biological features of the Malawians also include the phenomenon of facultative hermaphroditism, that is, the ability to change sex in conditions where the existence of a population may depend on it.

Photo of an aquarium with Malawian cichlids

However, it should be noted that, unlike free crossing, sex change occurs only if there is a spawning situation in the aquarium (a set of factors): conditions of detention. feed, pressing leaders. Such material, rich in “unusualities,” constantly gives food for thought to any aquarist whose home collection is collected thoughtfully, and not according to the “saw - bought” principle. The brightest representative Lake cichlid ichthyofauna is the blue dolphin (Cyrtocara moori), which received its name due to its amazing similarity with the marine animal of the same name.

Cichlids of Lake Malawi

The body of the fish is colored in bluish-blue tones. On the head, especially in seasoned 20-centimeter males, there is a fatty growth (dolphin forehead). Males and females are colored the same. On the side of young fish there are two dark irregular shape spots. Juveniles are grayish brown in color. The most original representative of cichlids can be considered the long-snouted haplochrom (Dimidiochromis compressieps). Elongated body of fish. their elongated muzzle helps them reach prey (small fish) from the narrowest crevices. Males are blue, with a pattern and edging on unpaired fins. The gill covers have an emerald tint. There are pure blue races with a pattern of brown-red dots on the body. Females are silver-gray, with a longitudinal stripe.

Juveniles have their mother's coloration. The maximum length is 25 cm. Usually 15-18 cm. A group of small, tall-bodied haplochromes can be represented by the 10-centimeter Steven's patterned tail (Protomelas tacniolatus). The emerald-turquoise outfit of the fish is very impressive in reflected light. Females are more modestly colored and have a silvery mesh pattern on their bodies. The luxurious haplochrome Buazulu, whose body length reaches 20 cm, can also be included in this group. Both species have several color forms. as well as closely related species, often differing only in details of coloration. This group can rightfully include fish whose juveniles and females have a coffee-brown body with three black spots on the sides.

Photo of Aulonocar Nyasa

These are the silver-headed haplochrome Copadichromis chrysonotus - a magnificent 15-centimeter beauty of a burning blue color with a silver-white top, and closely related Copadichromis borleyi - matte blue or yellow-blue fish with elongated pelvic fins. Speaking about Malawians, one cannot fail to mention aulonocar, the most famous of which is.

By the way, according to another and, in my opinion, extremely far-fetched taxonomy, these fish are classified as a different species (A.stuartgranti) and are just its color variation. In Russia, these blue beauties with a red belly have been known for a long time and enjoy constant success, despite the modestly colored females. IN Lately In Russia, new species of aulonocara with colored females appeared - pink, piebald, marmalade and other forms. The main role in the mass breeding of these aulonocaras was played by A. Kamyshov, who gave a “start in life” to more than one interesting looking Malawians. The polymorphism of Malawian cichlids is best expressed by the example of Pseudotropheus zebra. At the moment, about 30 color variations of this species are already known.

If previously only six “zebras” were distinguished and among them there was one striped one (BB), then according to the new nomenclature their regiment received almost the entire more or less striped population of Malawian zebra pseudotropheus. These fish have been successfully kept and bred in our country for a long time. Their popularity is greatly facilitated by the fact that in an aquarium populated with fish of only this species. Painted in red, white, piebald, spotted (marmalade) and blue tones, you can create a vibrant color scheme.

In nature, pseudotropheus lead a vegetarian lifestyle, and therefore, when kept in an aquarium, they require plant nutrition or a substitute such as Tetra Fill. Concluding a brief overview of the main forms of Malawians, we cannot ignore the labeotropheus - Labeotropheus trewavasae, L.fuellebomi. In our country, three variations of Labeotropheus Trevavas were known: red-pink, blue with a red fin and piebald form.

Photo of Lake Malawi cichlid

Moreover, only the second has gained a foothold in aquaculture. Many people know about the second species (L.fuellebomi) mainly from books. Labeotropheus is also a polymorphic species with many color variations. They differ mainly in the color of males and females. The latter are pink, reddish-orange, and piebald. marmalade. Males, with the exception of the red and spotted forms, are painted in blue tones and differ only in the color of the mask on the nosed muzzle and the color of the dorsal fin, which varies from blinding silver to fiery red.

Malawian cichlids owe their name to Lake Malawi, located in East Africa. According to various sources, from 500 to 1000 different species of fish live in its depths, the largest number of which belong to the cichlid family. Attracts aquarium lovers in these bright fish appearance, as well as behavioral characteristics.

Features of Lake Malawi

The territory of Lake Malawi is the only park in this state; it contains over 500 species of cichlids, most of which are endemic. The history of the discovery of Lake Malawi is associated with the name of the Scottish explorer of the African continent, David Livingstone, who discovered this freshwater lake in 1859. Initially, the reservoir was called “Nyasa,” but after the state gained independence, the lake was given the name “Malawi,” which translated means “shining light above the lake.” The lake lies along the borders of three countries: Tanzania, Mozambique and Malawi. It is part of one of the largest lakes on the planet; several of its islands are declared nature reserves.

Kinds

These herbivorous cichlids feed on algal fouling, stripping it from stones. They have a mouth structure that is convenient for such a process. At a younger age, fish eat zooplankton, but later they simply need to eat plants. If you give them live food too often, they will quickly become obese and lose their ability to reproduce. All Malawian cichlids are divided into 2 large groups: “mbuna” and “utaka”. Mbuna cichlids, which means “rock attackers,” are distinguished primarily by their diet, which includes plant foods. The main representatives of mbuna fish are labidochromis, melanochromis, and pseudotropheus. The color of the fish is very bright, they reach up to 15 cm in size.

The “utaka” group includes cyrtocara, aulonocara, and haplochromis. On the contrary, fish eat live food and can eat their relatives. They are distinguished by their larger sizes, reaching up to 20 cm; the color of their females is much more modest.

Some of the most beautiful Malawian cichlids are considered to be the blue dolphin, various types of aulonocara, yellow and cornflower blue labidochromis.

Cichlids: description

In appearance, these underwater inhabitants are very diverse. Their body may have an elongated torpedo-shaped shape, as, for example, in predators - African Lepidiolamprologus and American Crenicichlus. But severums, angelfish and discus are distinguished by tall and flattened bodies. They live in reservoirs with a sufficient number of plants among clusters of branches and coastal plexuses of roots.

Their separating color helps them to hide - vertical black stripes, reproducing the change of shadow and light. But the colorful, eye-catching color of certain African cichlids allows them to notice and recognize an enemy from afar - a male of their own breed or a female (the tone of both individuals differs quite significantly). When excited, most fish species can almost instantly change shade: it becomes beautiful, contrasting, spots and stripes appear. The same thing is observed during spawning: female green nannakars are colored patterned black with a checkerboard pattern, and females of some apistograms take on an expressive yellow color.

What are the diseases of Malawian cichlids?

When buying fish, ask the seller carefully what kind of food they are best suited to - dry, canned or live. Mbuna feed on vegetation, grow up to 12 cm, and have a bright, variegated color. But ducks eat food of animal origin and can reach 20 cm in length. Often these fish can even attack their small relatives. If you start feeding cichlids with food that is unusual for them, then this practice can lead to undesirable consequences.

Food should be fresh and of such a size that it is easy to swallow. “Malawians” can be offered cyclops, daphnia or brine shrimp. The latter is suitable for both fry and small cichlids. Fans of plant foods can be treated to scalded pieces of lettuce, nettle or spinach. Some people pamper predators with young guppies or small fish of another species, if you happen to have an excess of such living material.

Breeding rules

Malawian cichlids are not monogamous; a male is able to spawn with several
small females. Although there are individuals who choose a mate for life. Females lay eggs on a flat stone or in a pre-prepared nest. They hatch eggs and fry in their mouths. It is easy to determine whether fish are ready to reproduce in an aquarium - the anal fin of the male becomes sharp, and in the female it becomes cone-shaped.

The amount of eggs varies between species, depending on age and water conditions. Usually the larvae of the fry appear after 2-4 days. Producers care for the offspring, sometimes the female and the male fight for primacy over the offspring, organizing disputes and fights. In this case, the male or female is removed from the spawning tank. Also, during the spawning period in a general aquarium, hybridization of species is possible. Hybrid offspring do not have such bright colors.

Compatibility

There are many compatibility tables for aquarium fish. But you need to understand that the behavior of these beautiful creatures Many factors influence - the size of the tank, its design, the type of food, even the water temperature. Cichlids can get along with other fish, especially if they are not too different from them in size. But the “Malawians” prefer to control the territory, and fights between the inhabitants of your aquarium are almost inevitable. How can you reduce aggression? It is best to introduce all your cichlids into a new aquarium at once. If you do this in stages, then the old-timers can attack the newbies. Also in this matter important role Various shelters play - driftwood, stones, shells. Each inhabitant will find shelter if desired and wait out the dangerous period.

Behavioral characteristics of the family Cichlidae

The behavior of these representatives of the underwater fauna is peculiar and attractive. Sociable and active by nature, cichlids are in constant motion, using the entire space of the aquarium.

Their activity increases in proportion to the increase in hunger. In pursuit of a portion of food, they organize real races and can instantly absorb everything that is offered to them, although such greed does not bring them any benefit.

Certain types of fish have highly developed hunting skills:

• livinqstonii, buried in the sand, pretends to be inanimate, thereby luring prey;
• compresessips, having a narrow and strongly flattened body, is hardly noticeable to other inhabitants of the reservoir, which allows it to approach prey unnoticed;
• copadichromis, having a tube-shaped mouth, is able to easily suck in plankton like a vacuum pump.

The intelligence of cichlids is attractive to aquarists. They are able to recognize their owner and demonstrate unique social behavior.

Thus, almost all varieties of this family have developed parental care for their offspring. Cichlid aquarium fish carefully guard their clutches and care for the larvae and fry. Specifically, the Malawian species of fish hatch eggs in their mouths, and the hatched fry find refuge in the throat sac of their parents in a moment of danger. Therefore, with a relatively small number of eggs in these fish, their survival rate is quite high.