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While trawling The Cichlid Room and its plethora of articles, I hit upon something unusual. I thought I'd share it with you.

Mention the words "Rift Lake", and the first word that follows in most fishkeepers' minds is "Cichlid". Not surprising, given that there are something like 1,300 species of Cichlid in the Rift Lakes, and that many have become "must have" fishes for many aquarists upon account of their stunning colouration. Anyone who wants to be utterly 'wowed' by Rift Lake Cichlids, look no further than Benthochromis tricoti from Lake Tanganyika, a fish that I think everyone will agree is a supernova blast of colour to rival marine coral reef fishes!

However, there's more to the Rift Lakes than Cichlids. Some aquarists are doubtless familiar with the assorted Synodontis catfishes that live there too - including the now famous Cuckoo Catfishes that 'borrow' the mouthbrooding space of Ophthalmotilapia Cichlids to nurse their young - a remarkable behavioural development by any standards that simply adds to the aura of the Rift Lakes as special fish habitats.

But, while perusing the articles, I alighted upon something else.

How about a Rift Lake Killie?

That's right, a Rift Lake Killifish. A little gem called Lamprichthys tanganicus, photos of which can be found here. This little gem, if you look at the photos, resembles somewhat in body shape a Cochu's Blue Tetra, and it's lustrous turquoise colouration actually enhances the illusion. The difference between Cochu's Blue and this fish, however, could not be greater - while Cochu's Blues love soft, acidic water, Lamprichthys tanganicus is a thorough-going Rift Lake species that requires the same kind of water as Cyphotilapia frontosa, with which it shares its habitat.

Apparently the fish has not only been maintained in captivity, but bred too, though according to the records I've trawled, it's quite a challenge. First of all, the fish drops its eggs into crevices between rocks - presumaby to put them out of the reach of all those Cichlids who would help themselves to the free caviar on offer in a flash - and so the breeding aquarium for this species needs a floor with small to medium sized pebbles for the parents to spawn over. Second, the young need live food, so the prospective breeder will be raising infusoria and baby Brine Shrimp at a rate of knots. Third, the fishes require every bit as much care and attention to pH and hardness values as Frontosas do. But, this glimmering little turquoise gem is worth the effort - take a look at it and imagine that little beauty flashing its iridescence in your aquarium!

So, here it is - a Rift Lake fish with a difference for you all to ponder!


Panda Catfish fan and keeper/breeder since Christmas 2002

HI,
That...is an amazing fish! I can picture a 240 Gallon
tank with them in it. I am also shuddering to think what
a tank of them would cost!
Thanks for the info!

Frank


-->>> The Confidence of Amateurs, is the Envy of Professionals <<<--