|
Scientific name: Buccochromis rhoadesi |
| Trade
name: Yellow lepturus |
| Natural
habitat: Sandy environments and near beaches |
| Food in
the lake: Young cichlids that live in the sandy habitats. |
| Food in
the aquarium: A mix of quality pellets, flakes, krill, artemia, etc fed
sparingly. Fish meat can also be fed, as this cichlids is a piscivore. No
mammal meat! |
|
Behaviour in my aquarium: All in all this predator is rather peaceful,
as only the female is chased from time to time. The male doesn't defend a
territory in my tank. |
|
Tankmates: Every Malawi cichlid above a certain size (roughly 10- 12cm)
except Mbuna. |
| Maximal size:
Can vary quite a bit depending on water quality and food amount. Grows to
about 30 cm. |
|
Aquarium: At least a tank of >1000L with a sufficient amount of
big rocks and caves. A sand bottom, pH between 7.5 - 8.5, temperature about
25°C |
|
Buccochromis rhoadesi with Fossorochromis rostratus in my aquarium
|
|
Personal notes:
A large tank requires large cichlids. With this in
mind I bought a pair of these large Malawi predators that now swim quite
happily in their new home. They are a pleasant company for the other fish,
as they don't chase them. The Buccochromis also don't chase them for food,
as a young Protomelas spilonotus managed to survive in their company. That
Protomelas accidently fell into the big tank when it was 4cm, and meanwhile
it has gained some extra 4cm without ever being harassed! Buccochromis are
also reported to grow to about 40cm, but I think my male has stopped growing
at 25cm. Although I have a pair for a long time already, no breeding has
been observed yet.
At their arrival: still a bit small...
Not quite awake yet!
|
