Family: Cichlidae
Distribution: The Dwarf Goby Cichlid is endemic to Lake Malawi, Africa. They prefer the upper regions of water bodies with strong currents and highly oxygenated water.
PH: 7.6 – 8.9 pH
Temperature: 24 – 27°C (75 – 81 °F)
Hardness: 12 – 22 dH
Description: Rocks and rocky caves are a necessity when keeping Dwarf Goby Cichlids: they use them for protection and to keep themselves afloat when scraping algae off the rocks. They also require highly-oxygenated water.
Eretmodus cyanostictus is a peaceful species and is therefore suitable for community tanks of at least 135L. However, they can be quite aggressive towards one another, until they form a pair. It is recommended that the tank hold either one or two of the species, but no more; more than one pair may result in both couples becoming aggressive towards one another. They will grow to a maximum size of 8-9cm.
This species has a thin, elongated body. They are covered with small blue spots and sport 6 – 7 transverse white or yellow stripes. Colouration varies from grays and blacks to light brown, with a beige or light brown head. The males exhibit brighter colours than the females and will be larger; he will also be distinguishable by his longer pelvic fin.
Diet: The Tanganyika Clown Cichlid’s natural diet is algae that they scrape off of rocks. Thus, it is recommended that they are given a high amount of vegetable matter (such as spirulina flake) and occasionally treated to live or frozen foods (such as black mosquito larvae). Do not give Eretmodus cyanostictus brine shrimp as it will cause digestive problems.
Breeding: The Dwarf Goby Cichlid are bi-parental mouth-brooders. Immediately after the female has laid the eggs on a rock, she will sweep them into her mouth whilst the male fertilises them. She will keep them for approximately two weeks, when they change roles: she drops them into his mouth to incubate for a further week.
The fry themselves are the most difficult part of the process. They are extremely slow-growing and require a strict feeding regiment.
Comments: Due to the difficulty of breeding and the required water conditions, this fish may be best suited to those with at least a medium-level of expertise.
Article/Books:
Recommended Compatible Species: Other algae-eaters are suitable tank mates, such as Tropheus and Simochromis species; as well as Rainbowfish, and species such as Synodontis, Aulonocara, Lamprichthys, and Afromastacembelus.
Originally posted 2010-04-17 13:33:56. Republished by Blog Post Promoter
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