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Notes:
These marvellous wildcaugh cichlids were
at my favourite shop back in November 2004 while I was rearranging the
1500L kitchen tank. I seriously doubted buying them as I've had a really
nasty experience with wildcaught Malawi cichlids in 2000 which resulted
in the death of all inhabitants in my 1000L tank. My cichlid friend Staf
finally persuaded me to go for them though, as he would donate 5
gorgeous F1 Copadichromis jacksoni juveniles to combine a nice Malawi
cichlid community. Together with 5 wild Aulonocara cobue I bought 10
Lethrinops "green face". I went through all possible causes of diseases
with Staf, and we both concluded that stress would have to be avoided as
strictly as possible. This meant that all fish should be introduced in
their new tank TOGETHER AT ONCE and this would be it!! This also meant
that there would be NO MORE future fishy additions to be absulutely sure
nothing could cause the death of one or more cichlids . On top of that
we would treat them with FMC and an antibiotic so we would be sure that
most parasites were banned. The cichlids were all put in a 140L
quarantine tank in the basement and they all looked fine, responded well
and showed a healthy appetite. Their treatment lasted 3 weeks and after
that they were ready to be released in the 1500L kitchen tank. This
transfer went very good, although the fish needed at least a month to
open up. Now (April 2005) they are very vivid and they also spawned for
the first time. I hope to be able to keep them and enjoy their splendour
for a very long time!
Right after their release in the 1500L kitchen tank:
all bug free and hungry!
A successful spawn obviously results in a
mouthbrooding female! April 2005.
Sand dwelling cichlids at their best; digging in the
sand!
As you see in the photo
above, these wildcaught cichlids only deserve the best: a large tank
with a sand bottom. These Lethrinops simply thrive in it and I can't
imagine taking their pleasure away by using gravel or crushed coral.
Cichlid keepers who insist on using these substrates with such precious
creatures should be spanked in my opinion!!!
Two males displaying. Click on the image to see the
high resolution picture.
Give them what they need and then you'll be rewarded
with this.
This photo can be
a bit too dark for some PC monitors, but on mine this one looks
stunning! Click on the image to see the high resolution picture. |
