Socolofi Cichlid
From Microcosm Aquarium Explorer
A good beginner's African cichlid, brightly colored and less aggressive than many others. JJPhoto.dk
Overview
Less territorial than other Mbuna cichlids from Lake Malawi, this species will prove easier for a beginner to manage. Males and females are nearly identical, with some females lacking the white "egg spots" on the anal fin.
Family: Cichlidae
Other common name(s):
- Pindani
Native range:
Habitat: Rocky bottom with many hiding places and caves. Coral gravel or laterite to keep water appropriately hard.
Maximum length: 7 cm (3 in)
Minimum aquarium size: 114 L (30 gal)
Water: Freshwater 24 °C (75 °F) - 28 °C (82 °F)
General swimming level: Bottom to midwater.
Feeding
Grazes heavily on algae in the wild. Offer Spirulina flakes, herbivore rations, leaf lettuce, dried seaweed. Will take occasional feedings of meaty foods such as mysid shrimp, enriched adult brine shrimp, black worms, freeze dried worms and insect larvae.
Aquarium Compatibility
Keep in a species tank with one male to at least three females or in a tank with other Lake Malawi cichlids.
Special Care
Requires alkaline, hard water: pH 7.8–8.5, 10–20 DH.
Breeding/Propagation
Maternal mouthbrooder, with the female carrying the eggs for approximately three weeks and the fry for about a week after hatching. Newly emerged fry can be fed baby brine shrimp (Artemia nauplii) and powdered fry food.