|
Haplochromis
obliquidens is a cichlid from Lake Victoria which is quite common in
the hobby (as common as Victorian cichlids can get). A really nice
fish it is easily distinguished by the band / color combination (thick black bars and red / yellow hues on a silver
body). It is a
relatively peaceful fish (for an African and especially for a
Victorian) with some aggression shown against conspecifics while
other fish are even allowed to enter its territory in some cases.
This doesn't mean that the fish is a peaceful one, ideal for
freshwater community tanks. Tankmates should be other Victorian haps
or Malawi cichlids. If Malawians are chosen the keeper should go for
either moderately aggressive mbuna (e.g. Labidochromis, Cynotilapia)
or mild, small sized haps (e.g. Aulonocara).
An
advantage of this species is that it will allow you to keep a second
Victorian species in the same tank without the risk of hybridization. In this
case, a species with a different melanin
pattern should be chosen (Haplochromis nyererei,, flameback cichlid
etc.). Species with very close melanin patterns (like Zebra
obliquidens or sp 44) are to be avoided. Will grow to about 10 cm (males may exceed this limit in an
aquarium). Thrives in alkaline,
moderately hard water (a pH 7.5 - 8.5 is enough, while a pH about 10
is OK). This is an omnivorous species and this should be taken care
for in their diet (a good mixture of various foods is preferred).
Once they start spawning they become very prolific and they become
exceptionally good parents. Females can stay with the fry for months
without any problems. In contrast to other Victorian haps, the brood
can be raised in the same tank (no need to change tanks every now
and then as with Hap. Nyererei for instance).
On
August 7, 2001, we received the following message from Greg
Steeves, a Victoria cichlid fan and Webmaster of the
Gas
Station African Cichlids :
You have a fish misidentified. In your Victorian
photos you have listed Haplochromis obliquidens. I have taken it
upon myself to try and educate people concerning this issue. The
true Haplochromis obliquidens is thought to be extinct in the wild
and has never (to my knowledge) been exported from the lake. This
fish is not in the hobby. I can certainly understand your post
however as "obliquidens" has become a generic name for a
number of species from the Victorian region. The fish you have
posted is the beautiful Astatotilapia latisfasciata. This fish is
not from Lake Victoria but rather a satellite lake. It was originally
confined to Lake Kyoga but sadly is extinct there now as well. The
only wild population of this fish now resides in Lake Nawampasa.
It is becoming increasingly threatened in the wild but thankfully
appears to be doing well in the hobby. I thought I would just pass
this on because I'm sure that like myself, you endeavor to provide
as much accurate information as possible. I have a link to
this species at: http://www.africancichlids.net/A_latifasciata/index.htm
If I can ever be of help with Victorian content or species
identification I would be more than happy to assist.
|
