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Fast
facts on Pseudotropheus elongatus "Luhuchi
Rock"
Biotope:
In Lake Malawi, the genus Pseudotropheus occurs almost everywhere.
Pseudotropheus elongatus is a "distinguished" species
showing a more slender, and elongated, body. This given specimen is
endemic to "Luhuchi Rock" on the Tanzanian coast of the
lake, where I got it in my 1997 trip to the lake.
Tank:
I use a 360 lt (about 95 US gals) tank after a short initial period
during which I housed them in a 130 lt (about 35 Us gas).
Aquascaping is in the typical Lake Malawi fashion: a thin layer of
sand at bottom, rocks, rocks and more rocks piled one on the other
till the surface. Moderate plantation (allthough this is not present
in its original biotope) will help fishes to thrive. I use Anubias
barteri (var. nana), Vallisneria (likely V. aethiopica) and,
possibly, Ceratophillum (sp.) which got from Lake Malawi during my
1999 visit.
Water
chemistry:
Alkaline environment, do not forget this is a genuine Lake Malawi
cichlid. Thrives in frequently changed water even if this will
result in a lower algae growth. All M'buna in wild feed on the algae
cover by continuously, scratching it.
Spawning:
I haven't got any spawning after almost two years of keeping it in
my tank(s); must add I'm NOT that sure the "supposed"
female is actually female. I suppose they'll act like all other
members of the genus: "circling" courting behavior, laying
eggs in a sand nest where fertilization takes place, female holding
about three weeks, before release.
Food:
Mostly vegetarian. I use to feed them, beside flakes and pellets, a
"self-made" mixture containing: peas, zucchini, pumkin,
squid, octopus, spirulina (all "steam-cooked") and a spoon
of "crushed" Parmigiano cheese, stir well everything and
put in the refrigerator. Black mosquito larvae (live) are (not very
often) offered as a "snack".
Tank
Mates:
All M'bunas are the best choice, preferably avoid larger specimens
(not my own experience). Never tried it with Utakas but I'll give it
a try only with the bravest. Among others it is worth to remember
the catfishes: both the (also endemic in Lake Malawi) Synodontis
nyassae and the suckermouth catfishes (Ancistrus and Golden Nugget
to name a few. I keep four ot the latter in that tank) allthough not
present in its natural biotope. See
next page for photos of a
breeding pair. |
