Family: Cichlidae
Distribution: The Aulonocara brevinidus is a species of dwarf cichlid found in Nkhomo Reef, Malawi; parts of Mozambique; and Lupingu and Manda, Tanzania.
PH: It is advised to keep the waters similar to that of Lake Malawi, around the 8.0 – 9.0 mark.
Temperature: 26-29°C (79-84°F)
Hardness: Most Aulonocaras suit a hardness of 10 – 30 dH
Description: Male Aulonocara brevinidus cichlids can reach up to 9.5 cm in length. The males are also very territorial and will defend a shallow spawning pit. This species is found in sandy areas at a depth range of up to 20 metres; it will therefore spend a lot of time in the lower to middle regions of your tank.
Diet: In nature, Aulonocara brevinidus will feed upon sand-dwelling microinvertebrates. In a tank environment this species can be fed prepared cichlid foods, vegetable matter and live meats. You should supplement this cichlid’s diet with frozen brine, spirulina and krill. This cichlid is not a fussy eater and will accept most foods given to it.
Breeding: This species is a typical mouthbrooding Aulonocara and does not require brackish water to breed. It is best to keep one male for many females if you are planning on breeding Aulonocara brevinidus.
Comments: You should house Aulonocara brevinidus in a tank of at least 30 gallons in volume; this cichlid will appreciate the extra space that a larger tank provides. Allow plenty of hiding spots and rockwork, but ensure there is plenty of space for this species to swim along the bottom and middle of the tank. Aulonocara brevinidus will spend most of its time in these sections of the tank, so decorate your aquarium accordingly.
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Recommended Compatible Species: Similarly sized fish of a peaceful temperament can be housed with Aulonocara cichlids. Be mindful that keeping different species of Aulonocara in the one tank can encourage interbreeding.
Originally posted 2009-12-14 21:44:34. Republished by Blog Post Promoter
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