1 Introduction

THE PBS IS NO LONGER RUNNING DUE TO LACK OF INTEREST FROM THE CICHLID COMMUNITY, CHESTER ZOO NO LONGER OFFER THIS SCHEME. I HAVE LEFT THIS INFORMATION HERE FOR ARCHIVE PURPOSES ONLY************The following information provides a brief introduction to the Lake Victoria Cichlid species currently available to participants in the Lake Victoria Cichlid Private Breeders Scheme. For participants obtaining specimens, more detailed information will be supplied to elaborate on the requirements of the fish and to satisfy the objectives of the Private Breeders Scheme .

2 General information

All Cichlids from Lake Victoria have the same basic requirements for their successful maintenance and propagation in the aquarium environment. The preferred water chemistry is moderately soft (3-6oGH) with a mildly alkaline pH (7.5-8). Low levels of nitrogenous wastes are essential for long term survival (nitrate consistently below 25 mgl-1 , nitrite and ammonium undetectable). It is also necessary to provide fairly strong aeration to ensure high concentrations of dissolved oxygen at all times. Temperature should remain stable and within the range of 73-79oF. Good water quality is more important than the correct hardness and pH (excluding extremes) and particular attention should therefore be paid to meeting these demands.

The Cichlids from the PBS must be kept in single species aquaria, as a colony of at least 12 adults. Although it is not encouraged, a few other fish could be kept with them. These cannot be territorial, aggressive or predatory (even of eggs and fry). If other Cichlids are to be considered that must certainly not be mouthbrooders. It must be remembered that additional fish mean that the minimum tank sizes quoted below will have to be increased.

3 Species Summaries

"Haplochromis" sp. "Argens"

These fish are peaceful open water species that are probably extinct in the wild. They reach 12cm in length and are nicely coloured, predominantly in yellow/green with a red tail and pelvic region. A colony can be maintained in an aquarium of at least 30 gallons (36"x15"x18" or 4'), with a minimum depth of 18". In shallower tanks they can be skittish. (see photo).

"Haplochromis" pyrrhocephalus

Also an open water species but smaller (9cm) and therefore able to be kept in a minimum tank size of 36"x12"x15". They are slender fish with a more muted, but no less appealing colouration that is largely coppery. Recent observations in the Lake have noted a marked increase in their abundance in contrast to their previous decline.

"Haplochromis" xenognathus

A sand-dwelling snail predator, these 12cm fish are of moderate aggression, suited to a minimum tank size of 48"15"15". Blue is the predominant colour. A cessation of breeding activity at Chester Zoo had threatened the continued existence of their stock, however they have recently been able to induce spawning once again. They remain common in the Lake at the moment.

"Haplochromis" riponianus

Robust and aggressive insectivores, akin to Lake Malawi mbuna in disposition. A colony of these can only be maintained in a minimum of a 5' aquarium. They are stout fish coloured slatey blue. The red anal fin contrasts with this ground colour. It is thought that they remain common in the lake at the moment.

"Haplochromis" greenwoodi

Previously known as H. sp. "Velvet Black", this is another aggressive insectivore, reaching 12cm in length. Successful maintenance requires a 5' aquarium as an absolute minimum. The main colour for males is solid black with red edging to all unpaired fins. A piebald variant occurs, principally amongst the females, but also some males. This species to appears be present in the wild at the moment.

Astatoreochromis alluaudi

A snail predator that can reach 14 cm in size. Though this species, as currently recognised is not endemic to the Lake, there remains the possibility that the lake population may represent a distinct variety that could be a different subspecies or species. Largely yellow/gold in colour, the fins develop extensions that make it a good looking species. They are moderately aggressive and therefore not suitable for an aquarium that is less than 48"x18"x18".

Haplochromis sauvagei

A sand-dwelling snail predator, these 11cm fish are of low aggression, suited to a minimum tank size of 36"x12"x15". Blue is the predominant colour though some populations show a red shoulder patch.. They remain common in the Lake at the moment.

4. Further reading

Loiselle, P.V. 1994 The Cichlid Aquarium. Tetra-Press.

Germany. 447pp

Seehausen, O. 1997 Lake Victoria Rock Cichlids. Verduyn Cichlids. Germany. 304pp

Seehausen, O. 1996 Victoria Cichlids In. Enjoying Cichlids ed. Konings, A .

Seehausen, O. 1993 Victoria Cichlids Part 2: The oral shelling/crushing molluscivores. In. The Cichlids Yearbook ed. Konings, A.