Aulonocara stuartgranti sp. Chilumba

Common Names:

Chilumba

Synonyms:

Family:

Cichlidae

Category:

Cichlids

Distribution:

Africa; Endemic to Lake Malawi, Africa. Particularly concentrated around the shores of Mbenji Island.

Main Ecosystem:

Rift Lake; Rift Lake

Temperament:

Territorial; Peaceful and timid when young or alone in a community aquarium. Males may fight for dominance, but injuries seldom result.

Diet:

Ominvore; Ominvore

Care:

Feed vegetable based flake food and small Malawi cichlid pellets. A high protein diet should be avoided. As with most rift lake cichlids, hiding places among caves and rocks are highly recommended, both for shelter from agression and for spawning purposes. Plants are not harmed. Medium-hard water is required. Can be sensitive to nitrate build-up so weekly partial water changes are neccessary.

pH:

8 - 9

Temperature:

22°C - 26°C

72°F - 79°F

Hardness:

12 dH - 20 dH

Potential Size:

Male: 11cm (4.3")
Female: 11cm (4.3")

Water Region:

All; All

Activity:

Diurnal; Diurnal

Gender:

Males are splendid blue while females are drab gray with vertical brown stripes.

Breeding:

Many caves and a ratio of 2 males to 5 females usually results in a successful mating. Chilumba are mouth brooders and the fry are released after three to five weeks.

Variants:

Comments:

A relatively new species which is rarely available in most countries. Sometimes referred to as Aulonocara Maisoni Chilumba.

Main Colours:

Blue, Grey

Markings:

No Markings

Mouth:

Normal

Tail:

Flat

Search:

Image Credit:

Submitted By:

Adam

History:

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