Lethrinops species

[golden_dase]

Hi guys

Below is my first species profile write-up. Don't laugh!

Introduction:

Lethrinops are an extremely peaceful group of fish from Lake Malawi. Their colours vary, some are dull while others are very beautiful. In the Aquarium trade, Lethrinops are also known as sandsifters, because they sift sand to find small edible organisms. They are a medium sized Malawi cichlid, and live in groups.

Aquarium requirements:

Tank space: 4ft tank (for groups of about 8 fish)

Filtration: Good filtration is essential, along with some water flow

Temperature: 25-27c degrees

PH: 7.8 - 8.3

Decor: Sand substrate with a bit of rockwork

In the Aquarium:

Lethrinops are best kept in small groups of 6-12 individual. The dominant males are seldom aggressive towards each other, unless they're in a breeding mood in which they would chase other males away from their spawning site. The ideal tank size is a standard 4x18x18" tank (minimum) for a group of 8 fish. They are an open water fish, and having a thin layer of limesand (or similar substrate) is HIGHLY recommended. Some rocks can be used to furnish their aquarium but bear in mind that these fish likes to cruise around open water. Although they can live with non-aggressive African cichlids, they do much better in a tank of their own.

Feeding:

Lethrinops are not fussy eaters. However, high quality food is recommended to bring out their colours and to entice breeding. They also love frozen shrimp once a week as a treat!

Breeding:

Getting Lethrinops to breed is not as easy as some other Malawi cichlids such as Electric Yellows. They are easily spooked and holding females will often spit out their eggs for no apparent reason. For best results, a group of 1 dominant male, 1 sub-dominant male and 4-6 females is recommended. Lethrinops are a mouthbrooding cichlid. Females will hold fertilized eggs in their mouths for upto 3 weeks, in which they will then find a quiet spot to spit out their free swimming fry.

Summary:

Lethrinops are a great fish species for any hobbiest who have the time and tank space to accommodate these amazing fish! They are one of the few Malawi cichlids that will live, interact, breed and thrive in a colony of their own kind.

Pics of some Lethrinops species which I currently have:

Lethrinops Albus

Lethrinops Lethrinus

Lethrinops Longipinnis (Not as colourful as other species, but great characters!!)

Lethrinops sp. 'red capuz"

Lethrinops sp. 'yellow collar'

* All the above info are based on my observations & experiences with the keeping of my Lethrinops species. Please let me know if some of the info needs to be amended..

[Caryl]

I am not sure if these fish are legal in NZ so not sure if we can amend any of your information.

[Joe]

Wow what beautiful fish