Duboisi Cichlid

<p>The average adult is 5 inches and has a lifespan of 12 years or more if kept with proper care. As juveniles, they are completely black with white spots all over their body, as they age, the spots will fade, and their heads will become blue. There are two varieties, the Burundi variety, and the Maswa variety. The Burundi one has a white band behind its pectoral fins, and the Maswa one has a yellow one. To be kept in captivity, the water should have a pH from 7.5 to 9.0 and temperatures between 72ºF and 82ºF. The tank should be large with moderate water movement and have plenty of rocks, caves, open swimming space and a sandy substrate. These fish are extremely aggressive, and it is best to keep them in a species specific tank, they are especially aggressive between themselves, so it is best to keep in large groups of 10 or more to dissipate the aggression. Eventually, the group will form a hierarchy. New individuals should never be added to an already existing group.</p>

<p>This species is omnivore but primarily vegetarian, 99% of its diet is vegetable matter, and only 1% is animal matter. In an aquarium, it can be fed with dried seaweed, Spirulina, and vegetable-based flakes or pellets. Romain lettuce or fresh spinach should be fed daily.</p>

<p>Adult males are larger and wider while females are smaller and have a rounder nose.</p> <p> </p>

<p>This species is slow growing and can take several years to reach sexual maturity. To breed this species in captivity, there should be 5 or 6 females to just one male. The female will lay her eggs on a rock, and she will then pick them up with her mouth and follow the male which will release his sperm and fertilize the eggs in her mouth. As soon as the eggs are fertilized, it is best to separate the female from the rest of the group to prevent the dominant male from harassing her. Incubation lasts about 24 days and is dependent on water temperature. Once the fry is free-swimming, they can be fed with brine shrimp and microworms. The females eat during incubation.</p>

<p>If these fish aren’t fed with a vegetarian diet they may suffer from gastritis.</p>

<p>This species can be found the rocky coastal waters in Lake Tanganyika, Africa.</p>

Venomous (Change Content)