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scott2336 Enthusiast Posts: 218 Kudos: 103 Votes: 0 Registered: 04-Nov-2002	Hello I'm looking for information on the fish species: 'Nanochromis Dimidiatus'. I just purchased two (a pair) and would like some general info from other keepers/experts, especially sexing. Thanks everyone. Scott
Posted 26-Jan-2006 12:03
Jimmy22 Fish Addict Posts: 582 Votes: 0 Registered: 03-Jun-2003	Description Nanochromis species are small, generally colorful, rheophilic dwarf cichlids that are found in the Democratic Republic of the Congo and, in some instances, Congo (Brazzaville) and Gabon. In the hobby, they benefit from a small number of devotees who can be quite fanatical about these interesting little fish. The most commonly encountered species is N. parilus which is often mislabeled as N. nudiceps. As per Greenwood (1987), the genus Nanochromis Pellegrin, 1904, can be divided into two species-groups. The first group consists of the species N. dimidiatus, N. squamiceps, and now newly described N. sabinae, and is characterized by having the last 3-5 pored upper lateral line scales contiguous with the dorsal fin base, a completely scaled belly and nape, a partially scaled chest and cheek, and by the possession of a reduced, comma-shaped predorsal (supraneural) bone. The second group consists of the species N. nudiceps, N. consortus, N. minor, N. parilus, N. splendens, and N. transvestitus, and is characterized by having the posterior half (or slightly more) of the upper lateral line contiguous with the dorsal fin base, a naked nape, cheek and belly, and by the lack of a predorsal (supraneural) bone (Greenwood, 1987; Lamboj, 2005). Nanochromis sabinae possesses all of the characters of Greenwood's first group but differs from both N. dimidiatus and N. squamiceps, in part, by the possession of a shorter head length, greater head depth, greater preorbital length (resulting in a more robust and rounded forehead and snout profile), shorter caudal peduncle, higher number of gill rakers on the first arch, and by coloration patterns. Female N. sabinae exhibit a small patch of silvery scales around the genital papilla, as compared to no such scales on female N. dimidiatus, and a broad band of silvery scales extending from the genital region to mid-body on female N. squamiceps. Additionally, the midlateral stripe on N. sabinae does not extend onto the caudal fin, as it does on both of the other species. Nanochromis sabinae is an attractively colored species that is likely the legendary red "Nanochromis dimidiatus" that was imported by Pierre Brichard in the 1960s. It is aptly named after Dr. Lamboj's beautiful daughter, Sabina. Collection Information Central regions of Congo (Brazzaville) west of the Upper Congo River and northwestern Gabon; also northern Democratic Republic of the Congo, around Genema and Bamanya. Husbandry and Breeding All known Nanochromis species are monogamous, bi-parental cave spawners. Males and females are known to exhibit high aggression levels toward one another, even when spawning. For this reason, somewhat larger, well-planted aquaria that contain many hiding places are recommended. Females generally tend the eggs and larvae, while males guard the surrounding territory. Both parents protect the fry. Regular partial water changes and a diet containing plant material are necessary to keep and breed these species. In the wild, the Nanochromis dimidiatus-group species are found in soft, slightly acidic water. In aquaria, these water parameters should be duplicated. thats about all i know great fish and very very rare i hav had big money offers for mine. so look after them well and you might get some babys
Posted 26-Jan-2006 12:03
Lindy Administrator Show me the Shishies! Posts: 1507 Kudos: 1350 Votes: 730 Registered: 25-Apr-2001	Jimmy, when you take information from a website and are purely Copying and Pasting it please give credit where it is due. A link to the website page at the very least. Last edited by Lindy at 23-Feb-2005 04:54 Before you criticize someone walk a mile in their shoes. That way you're a mile away and you have their shoes.
Posted 26-Jan-2006 12:03


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