Labidochromis chisumulae
by Nick Laferriere

Location: Chizumulu Island.

Biotope: Found in the Sediment-rich Rocky Habitat from 3-20 metres.

Size: 8cm for males and females.

Diet: It is an insectivore, which searches the biocover for little morsels. The food consists of insect larvae and small crustaceans. Also they’ll eat small snails as well.

Temperment: Very non-aggressive species! They’re very similar to Lab. caeruleus and breed the same way as well. These fish stay small and are quite peaceful. They can be successfully kept in a 20-gallon. Males do a little fighting over dominance but they’re not territorial. They chase away conspecifics in the wild from their feeding sites.

Spawning Behaviour: They’re not picky on where they spawn. Also males do not show territoriality. They will spawn anywhere in the tank and will frequently spawn on the move. I noticed this when I was watching them spawn. They were being chased by my Ps. sp. ’elongatus usisya’ male but still continued to spawn on whatever rock was closest. Breeding: Females hold about 10-20 eggs for about 25 days, temperature pending. Their mouths look really funny and the throat is quite extended when they hold. Males show dark blue/black barring on a light blue and white body. Females remain a light creamy white colour. Fry are generally a cream colour and take on a lighter appearance as they age. This may be a way to blend into the surrounds better and to be less conspicuous. I currently have 3m 6f with one dominant male, one subdominant male, and one male not showing any colour at all.



References:

Konings, Ad. (1990). Ad Konings's Book of Cichlids and All The Other Fishes of Lake Malawi: NJ: T.F.H. Publications Inc.

Konings, Ad. (1997). Back to Nature Guide to: Malawi Cichlids: Germany: Fohrman Aquaristik AB


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