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See article translated into Russian!
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Systematics. The genus Labeotropheus was originally described by Ahl (1927). The genus is notable for the well-developed “nose” and inferior located mouth that allow feeding while swimming parallel to the substrate (Trewavas 1935). This feature may be particularly important for feeding in shallow waters where a low feeding profile could reduce energy expenditure to maintain position due to wave action. The species L. trewavasae was described by Fryer (1956).
Natural Habitat. L. trewavasae has lake-wide (Malawi), although disjunct, distribution (Konings 1995, Ribbink 1983). This species occupies a variety of habitats from shallow inshore waters to deeper submerged reefs (Konings 1995). At sites where L. trewavasae and L. fuelleborni co-occur, L. trewavasae are usually found at greater depths (Konings 1995). Ribbink (1983) noted L. trewavasae were weakly territorial and defended caves that were vacated to feed. L. trewavasae has been observed to feed from the undersides and vertical surfaces of rocks and their diet consisted of aufwuchs, benthic invertebrates, and plankton (Konings 1995; Ribbink 1983). L. trewavasae “mpanga red” is distributed -I believe due to the name- in the area of Mpanga Rocks and Mpanga Reef, located near Chilumba, Malawi on the north-eastern shore of Lake Malawi. Konings (1995) and Ribbink (1983) both reported an all blue colored L. trewavasae occurring at Mpanga Rocks, so this species may be collected at the nearby Mpanga Reef. Rust-colored L. trewavasae have been reported to occur at nearby sites including Chitande and Chilumba (Ribbink 1983).
Captive Maintenance. The genus Labeotropheus has long been a personal favorite due to the unique morphology that allows for feeding on wave swept rocky shores. The coloration of adult male L. trewavasae “mpanga red” is true to the name. The adult males obtain a rusty-red color over the whole body and extending into the light blue fins. The adult females are a light orange color. The fry are brown with females becoming mottled and males turn a dark blue-gray at approximately two inches in length, prior to the red coloration developing. A diet high in carotenoids (e.g. shrimp or krill meal) is essential for developing the deep red coloration.
This species will readily spawn in the aquarium and spawning is similar to other maternal mouthbrooders. The eggs develop rapidly and hatch in approximately 8-10 days at 80 F. The fry are free-swimming by 21 days post-spawn. The fry will readily accept crushed dry food and hatched artemia. Maturity occurs at approximately three inches in length. An aquarium of at least 30 gallons is recommended for fry-sub-adults, while at least a 40 gallon will be required for adults. L trewavasae “mpanga red” is moderately to very territorial, and slightly more so when spawning. Females are often chased by the dominant male, and are sometimes harmed in smaller, less stocked aquariums. Larger aquariums and ratios of 1 male to 3 or more females will allow aggression to be dispersed. Suitable tankmates include almost all similar sized Malawian, Tanganyikan, and Victorian cichlids. Literature
Cited Ahl, E. 1927. Einige neue fishce der famile Cichlidae aus dem Nyassa-see. Schr. Berl. Ges. Naturf. Fr. Berl. 1926: 51-62. |
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