|
No
doubt this is the genus most often encountered in the tanks of
Malawi cichlid lovers. There are many reasons for this. Firstly, all
these species are relatively peaceful (compared to mbuna). Secondly,
the color combinations seen in these species is really unparalleled.
Commercially called African Peacocks they justify their name.
Relatively small (the males may reach a final size of 13 - 15 cm)
they stand somewhere between the classic mbuna and the utaka (or
pelagic cichlids). Their size make them incompatible with the
piscivores (they will readily fit the mouth of the adult fishes -
especially the females which grow considerably smaller). Their
temperament make them incompatible with the mbuna, too, since their
mild temperament will never allow them to thrive in a tank filled
with the more territorial and aggressive mbuna. Their overall
appearance also emphasizes these differences. Hence, the males have
the vivid colors seen in the mbuna males although their females have
the usual dull beige coloration, more typical of the utaka.
Recently, some authors examine the Aulonocaras in the same context
with the mbuna, something wrong in my personal opinion. Their
feeding habits, the formation of a sand nest, their location out of
the rocky area, are some of the factors that clearly distinguish
them from the mbuna. Since they differ a lot from either mbuna or
utaka, it would be recommended to keep them on their own tank.
Members of this genus will readily hybridize so it is a good idea to
keep only males or species with females differing greatly as far as
the color is concerned (e.g. species with orange fins). Some kind of
aggression will be observed between males showing the same basic
coloration (e.g. blue). Overcrowding (a favorable option with mbuna)
will not work in this context. The advanced hobbyist will take extra
care to choose the species that will thrive in his tank without the
risk of hybridization or bullying. These fish will not eat the
plants therefore a planted tank is a favorable option. In contrast,
they will dig a lot which is a good reason to secure the plant's
roots with rocks or big flat stone. Will breed regularly and the
female will release relatively large broods (about 30 is a very
common number). It should be noted that the fish is not a vegetarian
and should be fed a variety of foods. Another point that needs to be
addressed is that the same species may be present in the Lake in
many morphs which makes a positive identification a very difficult
task. Moreover, selective breeding has resulted in some very
colorful hybrids which are sold under various "exotic"
names, like "Sunshine Orange Peacock" etc. More often than
not, these fishes have nothing to do with their wild cousins (or recognized
species)
|
