Nanochromis transvestitus
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| Family: | Cichlidae |
| Category: | Cichlids |
| Distribution: | Africa; Lake Mai-Ndombe, near Ipeke; (formerly Lake Leopold II or Lake Inonongo) in Zaire. Also found in the Congo system. |
| Main Ecosystem: | Lake; Lake |
| Temperament: | Territorial; Not overly aggresive, but they require a large territory, so it is best only to keep a pair, no more. |
| Diet: | Ominvore; Ominvore |
| Care: | Feed with bloodworms, daphnia, tubifex, white worms and some various flake. Use a tank size of no less than 20 gallons. As this fish comes from rocky, sandy areas, try to recreate this in their aquarium. They also live in blackwater so include some bogwood. Some large plants are good, as this gives them some cover. When arranging the rocks, add them first, and then the sand substrate. As N. transvestitus is an avid digger, it may dislodge some rocks. |
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| Potential Size: | Male: 7cm (2.8") Female: 7cm (2.8") |
| Water Region: | Middle, Bottom; Middle-Bottom |
| Activity: | Diurnal; Diurnal |
| Gender: | The male has slightly elongated anal and dorsal fins. The female's anal, dorsal and caudal fins all have the same vertical black and white stripes, whereas the male does not posess these traits. The female also has a bright red belly. |
| Breeding: | For breeding use a ph of 4.4, gh of 2°, temperature of 80°F. Use a good la Firstly the female will flare at the male, and then occupy an 'S' shape, showing her red belly. Then the pair will find a suitable spawning site and dig a large hole. Around 30-50 eggs are laid and will be white and oblong shaped. After 2 days the eggs will become 'wrigglers', feeding on micro-worms at first, and then baby brine shri |
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| Comments: | N. transvestitus got its name because it is the female that displays the more vivid colouring. |
| Main Colours: | Black, White, Red |
| Markings: | Striped Vertical |
| Mouth: | Normal |
| Tail: | Convex |
| Search: | Show similar species Find compatible species |
| Image Credit: | © FishProfiles.com |
| Submitted By: | Tom |
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