Big Sky Cichlids -Aulonocara baenschi Article

Aulonocara jabcobfreibergi (Johnson 1974)

Systematics. The genus Aulonocara was described in 1921 by the ichthyologist Regan. The name comes from the Greek “Aulos” meaning flute, probably for the enlarged sensory pores in the head region. Trewavas (1935) further defined the genus and noted enlarged pre-orbital bones and reduction or absence of scales on the “cheek” area. The enlarged pores are part of the lateral line (sensory) system. These pores are important in detecting movements of the small invertebrate prey of this genus. Small sensory structures (neuromasts) in the pores detect minute water movements and transmit electrical impulses through nervous system, alerting the fish to the presence of prey (Moyle and Cech 1988). This species was once placed in the genus Trematocranus, but has since been grouped with Aulonocara (Johnson 1974). Species of this genus first became available to aquarists in the early 1970’s (Loiselle 1980).

Aulonocara jacobfreibergi "mamemlela" from Undu Reef

Natural Habitat. Aulonocara jacobfreibergi has widespread distribution in Lake Malawi and was among the first of the Aulonocara to be imported for the aquarium trade (Loiselle 1980; Konings 1995). Populations from southern Lake Malawi (Otter point - Cape McClear) were among the earlier imports (Konings 1995). Populations from this part of the lake have a orange-blue coloration, whereas those from the northern part of the lake are yellow colored. Northern populations have been found at Lupingo and from Pombo Rocks - Undu (Konings 1995). Closely related species include Aulonocara sp. "lwanda" and A. sp. "walteri". Aulonocara jacobfreibergi occupies the intermediate zone and forage over sandy or muddy substrate in their natural habitat (Konings 1995). Aulonocara jacobfreibergi are cave dwellers and males defend and spawning takes place within caves.

Captive Maintenance. A. jacobfreibergi require at least a 100 L (30 gallon) aquarium, but larger tanks are better. Juveniles have brown stripes on a light brown background, as in most Aulonocara. Males begin to color at 50 - 75 mm (2 - 3 in) and achieve full coloration at 75 - 100 mm (3 - 4 in). Female coloration is similar to juveniles. Maturity is reached at approximately 75 - 100 mm (3 - 4 in) [slightly smaller for females]. Juveniles and adults can be fed a mix of dry and frozen foods. A jacobfreibergi will readily spawn in captivity. Spawning is similar to other maternal mouthbrooders, where ripe females are attracted by male displays. The female will deposit the eggs and then swim around and hold the eggs in the buccal cavity where the eggs will be fertilized and brooded. Fecundity usually ranges from 20 - 60 depending upon female size. Hatching occurs in approximately 12 days at 80 F. Fry are free-swimming by 21 days and will feed on crushed dry food and hatched artemia. Fry grow rapidly and care must be taken not to introduce other smaller fry as juvenile Aulonocara can be quite piscivorous.

Literature Cited

Johnson, D.S. 1974. Three new cichlids from Lake Malawi. Today's Aquarist 1 (3): 38-42. [Pseudotropheus modestus, P. socolofi, & Trematocranus (now Aulonocara) jacobfreibergi]

Konings, A. 1995. Malawi cichlids in their natural habitat, 2nd edition. Cichlid Press, Germany, 352pp.

Loiselle, P. V. 1985. Butterflies and peacocks from Lake Malawi. Freshwater and Marine Aquarium 3: 10-21.

Moyle, P.B., and J.J. Cech. 1988. Fishes and Introduction to Ichthyology. Prentice Hall, Englewood Cliffs, NJ, 559pp.

Regan, C.T. 1921. The cichlid fishes of Lake Nyasa. Proc. Zool. Soc. Lond., pp.647-887.

Trewavas, E. 1935. A synopsis of the cichlid fishes of Lake Nyasa. Ann. Mag. Nat. Hist. (10) 16: 65-118.

Home l Update l Stock List l Gallery | Lake Malawi l Lake Tanganyika l Lake Victoria l Articles l References l Links l About | Contact