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Fast
facts on Pseudotropheus gracilior
Biotope:
Lake Malawi.
This species shows a geographic endemism since it is found only
in the southern part of the Lake (which, by the way, I visited in
1999). I
refer to the area including, among other places, Otter Point, Thumbi
West island, and Domwe Island.
According to another author’s notations, Ps. gracilior can
be found in a range from 10/25 meters of depth.
I can neither confirm nor deny this statement because of the
small number of dives I had in the area.
Tank size:
Despite his relatively small size, reaching a T.L. of 11 Cm/4
inches, breeding males defend their quarters fiercely. The females
and sub-dominant males live alone or in small groups. My four
specimens are doing great in a 360 lt/95 US gals.
Water
chemistry:
Follow faithfully what is stated for Malawi M’bunas and these
buddies will do great. This means – at least - alkaline water (pH
>7.5) and water temp of about 24/26° C.
Spawning:
My four specimens are about 12 months old.
Their mother released them in October, 1999 into a
conditioning pool while we were actually at the lake.
No spawning behaviour has been shown until then, but it’s
said to happen in the common M’buna fashion.
Food:
Flakes and pellets, while everything provided is on the
“vegetal-side” of the matter (most common when dealing with
M'buna).
Tank
Mates:
All M’bunas are suitable.
I’ll possibly suggest to avoid larger fellows and/or very
wild ones.
I’m currently keeping them in the same tank with, beside
other M’bunas, a Malawi crab (Potamonautus orbitospinus), a
Tilapia (always a malawian cichlid), and two “Gold Nugget”
catfishes who are supposed to thrive in alkaline water.
Until now I have faced no troubles at all.
Also Rift Lake Synos (I gave a try to S. nyassae for a SHORT
period) should do well. |
