Family: Cichlidae
Distribution: Tanganicodus irsacae, commonly known as the Spotted Goby, is a freshwater species endemic to Lake Tanganyika, Africa. It is usually found near the shoreline, among the pebbles.
PH: 7.5 – 8.5
Temperature: 24°C – 28C (75 – 82F)
Hardness: 10 – 20 dH
Description: Tanganicodus irsacae usually reaches a length of 6 – 7 cm in an aquarium. This species can, if treated properly, live from 3 – 5 years in an aquarium. It has a light brown to opaque colouring and several light blue dots that run along its body, along with some thin vertical gold to white bars. It has blue fins and a blue line that runs along its lower jaw. This species has an interestingly shaped mouth – resembling an overbite – and eyes that are near the top of its head.
Diet: Tanganicodus irsacae, an omnivore, will eat algae in the wild; in an aquarium it can be give live and frozen foods – crustaceans, Cyclops, brine shrimp, even bloodworms on rare occasions – and some flake.
Breeding: Spotted Gobies are biparental mouthbrooders; the female will lay eggs and pick them in her mouth, and the male will swim over and release sperm into the female’s mouth to fertilise the eggs. After the fry have hatched from the female’s mouth, the male will incubate them for a further 9 – 16 days; he should be removed if in a community tank. You will need to provide small stones for the fry to hide in once they have been released from the male’s mouth.
Comments: Tanganicodus irsacae can be kept in a decent sized tank of around 30 gallons. It will require a well-oxygenated tank and a strong filter to create good water movement. You should put plenty of rocks and flowerpots in your tank to create caves, along with a sandy substrate. Weekly water changes of 10 – 15 per cent are recommended. This species is difficult to look after and is therefore better suited to experienced hobbyists.
Article/Books:
Recommended Compatible Species: The Spotted Goby, a shy species, can be kept with Julidochromis regani and Cyathopharynx furcifer.
Originally posted 2010-01-26 21:10:57. Republished by Blog Post Promoter
