Mbuna Mixed Cichlid

Mbuna Mixed Cichlid
(Pseudotropheus sp.)

QUICK STATS
Minimum Tank Size: 50 gallons
Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Semi-aggressive
Water Conditions: 76-82° F, KH 10-15, pH 7.8-8.6
Max. Size: 5"
Color Form: Assorted
Diet: Omnivore
Compatibility: View Chart
Origin: Thailand
Family: Cichlidae

Mbuna Cichlids are arguably the most recognizable of Lake Malawi African Cichlids. With their gorgeous jewel-like coloration and boisterous personality, they are truly prized among budding and seasoned cichlidphiles. This assortment of hardy Mbuna Cichlids from the Genus Pseudotropheus, offers a great way for hobbyists to enjoy these beautiful cichlids at a great price.
Provide a large aquarium with plenty of rockwork, caves, ledges and hiding places for Mbuna Cichlids. Recreating the shallow, rocky shores of Lake Malawi can be achieved easily by using limestone or any type of inert rock as the main aquascaping feature. An aragonite-based substrate is recommended in order to maintain the necessary high pH and alkalinity. These cichlids do not like bright lighting, and the aragonite should ideally be either mixed with or covered by darker gravel to reduce the amount of glare in the aquarium. A species tank or a biotope setup housing only Mbuna Cichlids creates an impressive display. This setup will be large, well-filtered and have many protected niches for males to claim and defend.

For the best spawning results the female to male ratio should be at least three females to one male. The female will spawn on a flat rock. She will then take the unfertilized eggs into her mouth and follow closely behind the male until he releases the sperm to fertilize the eggs. The female will then incubate the eggs for approximately three weeks before releasing the fry. The fry can then be fed newly hatched brine shrimp, daphnia, or crushed flake food.

In nature, Mbuna Cichlids feed upon the aufwuchs (organic sediment) covering rocks and wood. Provide a balanced diet of dried seaweed, spirulina and other plant-based flake and pellet foods. Supplemented their diet with meaty foods such as brine shrimp and bloodworms

from www.liveaquaria.com

Synodontis Zebra Hybrid

Synodontis Zebra Hybrid
(Synodontis sp.)

QUICK STATS
Minimum Tank Size: 50 gallons
Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Peaceful
Water Conditions: 75-82° F, KH 4-15, pH 6.5-7.8
Max. Size: 9"
Color Form: Black, Tan
Diet: Omnivore

Origin: Indonesia
Family: Mochokidae

The Synodontis Zebra Hybrid is a very ornate member of the naked catfish group. With a multitude of spots of various sizes, this sleek and attractive Synodontis catfish has a truly "wild" appearance. There is a notable delineation between the head and the rest of the body. The spots on the head are much smaller and greater in concentration, while the body sports larger, loosely spaced spots. This juxtaposition creates an interesting pattern that complements the lean angular body of the Synodontis Zebra Hybrid. This distinct combination of spots may shed light to the lineage of this attractive hybrid. Synodontis decorus, Synodontis ocellifer and Synodontis multipunctatus are just a few examples of potential candidates that may make up the Synodontis Zebra Hybrid.
A well-filtered aquarium, 50 gallons or larger, with a warm stable temperature and plenty of rocks and plants is a suitable environment. The Synodontis Zebra Hybrid is a very peaceful tank member and appreciates having several hiding places. It co-exists well with larger Tetras and most African Cichlids similar in size.

When netting, one must be very careful of the spines on the pectoral fins which have serrated edges. These can become easily entangled in netting and may cause injury to the fish or hobbyist.

The Synodontis Zebra Hybrid is an omnivore and should be offered sinking catfish pellets, freeze-dried bloodworms and tubifex, and a good quality flake food.

from www.liveaquaria.com