Information on types of Frontosa
- Thread starter Red Devil
- Start date
Cyphotilapia gibberosa Takahashi & Nakaya, 2003
A Cyphotilapia gibberosa male from Cape Mpimbwe in the aquarium of Spencer Jack, Mannitoba, Canada. Photo by Spencer Jack.
Original description:
As Cyphotilapia gibberosa.
Takahashi, Tetsumi & K. Nakaya; 2003; "New species of Cyphotilapia (Perciformes: Cichlidae) from Lake Tanganyika, Africa"; Copeia; 2003 (4); 824-834.
Type locality: Kasenga at a depth of 34 meters; Lake Tanganyika; Zambia.
Conservation: Cyphotilapia gibberosa is (NE) not evaluated by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species (2008).
Geographic variants:
A Cyphotilapia gibberosa male from Cape Mpimbwe in the aquarium of Spencer Jack, Mannitoba, Canada. Photo by Spencer Jack.
Original description:
As Cyphotilapia gibberosa.
Takahashi, Tetsumi & K. Nakaya; 2003; "New species of Cyphotilapia (Perciformes: Cichlidae) from Lake Tanganyika, Africa"; Copeia; 2003 (4); 824-834.
Type locality: Kasenga at a depth of 34 meters; Lake Tanganyika; Zambia.
Conservation: Cyphotilapia gibberosa is (NE) not evaluated by the International Union for the Conservation of Nature in the IUCN Red List of Threatened Species (2008).
Geographic variants:
What is Cyphotilapia gibberosa ?
Cyphotilapia covers three species that were previously covered under Frontosa. They are Frontosa, Gibberosa and C. sp. "North".
gibberosa is the new species name for the southern varients of frontosa. Much like any species from the Zambian coastline, southern tanzanian coastline, and the southern Zaire coastline. Things like zaire blue, moba, nangu, nsumbu, ikola, kipili, and mpimbwe, bismark, samazi are all identified as C.gibberosa. They were different enough than the northern varients to recently warrant a separate species name. So technically the Zaires and such are no longer frontosa.
frontosa is belongs to Cyphotilapia because of the hump on the forehead and the broad vertical bands on the body (these bands are not visible in large males). Frontosa is to include the 7 stripe variety collected in kigoma and surrounding area. Other differences between Frontosa and Gibberosa are, C. frontosa, in having three scale rows between the upper and the lower lateral line (versus two rows). C. gibberosa has a greater number of scales in the longitudinal line (34-36 versus 33-34); fewer outer teeth on the upper jaw (31-52 versus 39-62); higher body (43,3-51,2 versus 38,2-46,5 %SL); longer predorsal (37,5-44,9 versus 37,1-42,7 %SL); longer dorsal fin base (57,1-64,6 %SL versus 53,8-60,9 %SL) and longer pectoral fin (36,0-47,2 versus 31,3-41,7 %SL).
C. sp. "North" would include the Burundi, Kavala and Karilani.
Variation :
C. gibberosa blue zaire, Moba
C. gibberosa blue zaire, Kapampa
C. gibberosa blue mpimbwe, Mpimbwe
C. gibberosa blue zambia, Chaitika
C. gibberosa "bismark", Samazi
C. gibberosa "blue fluorescent", Nangu
C. gibberosa, blue, Ikola
C. frontosa 7 strips, Kigoma
C. sp. North Burundi
C. sp. North Kavalla
C. sp. North Karilani
Cyphotilapia covers three species that were previously covered under Frontosa. They are Frontosa, Gibberosa and C. sp. "North".
gibberosa is the new species name for the southern varients of frontosa. Much like any species from the Zambian coastline, southern tanzanian coastline, and the southern Zaire coastline. Things like zaire blue, moba, nangu, nsumbu, ikola, kipili, and mpimbwe, bismark, samazi are all identified as C.gibberosa. They were different enough than the northern varients to recently warrant a separate species name. So technically the Zaires and such are no longer frontosa.
frontosa is belongs to Cyphotilapia because of the hump on the forehead and the broad vertical bands on the body (these bands are not visible in large males). Frontosa is to include the 7 stripe variety collected in kigoma and surrounding area. Other differences between Frontosa and Gibberosa are, C. frontosa, in having three scale rows between the upper and the lower lateral line (versus two rows). C. gibberosa has a greater number of scales in the longitudinal line (34-36 versus 33-34); fewer outer teeth on the upper jaw (31-52 versus 39-62); higher body (43,3-51,2 versus 38,2-46,5 %SL); longer predorsal (37,5-44,9 versus 37,1-42,7 %SL); longer dorsal fin base (57,1-64,6 %SL versus 53,8-60,9 %SL) and longer pectoral fin (36,0-47,2 versus 31,3-41,7 %SL).
C. sp. "North" would include the Burundi, Kavala and Karilani.
Variation :
C. gibberosa blue zaire, Moba
C. gibberosa blue zaire, Kapampa
C. gibberosa blue mpimbwe, Mpimbwe
C. gibberosa blue zambia, Chaitika
C. gibberosa "bismark", Samazi
C. gibberosa "blue fluorescent", Nangu
C. gibberosa, blue, Ikola
C. frontosa 7 strips, Kigoma
C. sp. North Burundi
C. sp. North Kavalla
C. sp. North Karilani
Lake Tanganyika Information..................
General Information .............................
Description Lake Tanganyika is home to more than 2,000 plant and animal species, and is one of the richest freshwater ecosystems in the world. About 600 of these species exist nowhere else in the world outside the Lake Tanganyika watershed.
Tanganyika is the third largest lake in the world by volume, exceeded only by the Caspian and Baikal. Tanganyika is also one of less than 20 ancient lakes on earth. Lake Tanganyika is the second largest lake in Africa. Although it is less than half the size of Lake Victoria, it drains an area approximately the same size (200,000 km2).
Much of the lake's coastline is high escarpment, falling directly into the lake.
Country Burundi
Congo (Democratic Republic)
Tanzania
Zambia
Latitude -6° 0' 0" (-6.0000)
Longitude 29° 35' 0" (29.5833)
State
Lake Region African Great Lakes
River Basin Congo
Maps
Tanganyika global index map (LakeNet Explorer)
Largest Lakes in the World by Area (LakeNet Explorer 2004)
Largest Lakes of the World by Volume (LakeNet Explorer 2004)
Tanganyika locator map
Lakes of East Africa
Africa Lake Biodiversity Conservation Priorities 2003
Ancient Lakes of the World
Lake Basin Management Initiative (LakeNet Explorer)
Physical Characteristics
Description
Volume 19,000.00 km3
Surface Area 32,600.00 km2
Depth Mean depth: 570.0 m
Maximum depth: 1,470.0 m
Residence Time 440.0 years
Age 2 million - 20 million years before present
Origin Tectonic
Trophic State Oligotrophic
Type Fresh
Permanent
Natural
Catchment Catchment size: 220,000.00 km2
Catchment/surface area ratio: 7:1
Socio-Political
Economic Value Approximately one million people live around the lake. Tanganyika is a source of fish for consumption and for trade, and a vital transport and communications link between the countries bordering it.
Major Cities Bujumbura, Kigoma
Population 10,000,000 (0)
Watershed Management
Description In 1995 the Global Environment Facility funded a five year project, "Pollution Control and Other Measures to Protect Biodiversity in Lake Tanganyika."
One of the outcomes of the project was a Strategic Action Programme for the Sustainable Management of Lake Tanganyika (SAP) which was developed through a process of stakeholder consultation and public involvement. The SAP outlines a regional framework for national and regional priority actions to achieve the objectives set out by the participating countries. As of 2001, priorities that had been identified included: urban pollution from Bujumbura, sedimentation from mid-sized catchments, overfishing in the littoral zone and habitat destruction.
Watershed Action Plan Developed
Issues Urban pollution sources include boat discharges in the lake. Oil and mineral exploration is also a concern. Measures need to be introduced to manage the ornamental fish trade and future mining projects.
Other Issues Atmospheric Deposition
Erosion
Invasive Species
Polluted runoff
Fisheries
Specific Contaminants Pesticides
Monitoring
Biodiversity Conservation
Description Lake Tanganyika is home to over 250 cichlid fish species. African cichlid fish are the largest and most diverse radiation of vertebrate species in the world. In addition, Lake Tanganyika also contains other species flocks including non-cichlid fish, gastropods, bivalves, leeches and sponges.
Studying the biodiversity of Lake Tanganyika with national teams of SCUBA divers who conduct habitat profiles and censuses of fish and invertebrates is the foundation of the Biodiversity Special Study (BIOSS) strategy. 22 scientists from national research institutions, fisheries departments, universities, parks, and other collaborating agencies have been trained to SCUBA dive and trained in underwater research techniques.
Designations LakeNet Biodiversity Priority
Ramsar Site
WWF Global 200
Species of Concern The slender snouted crocodile (Crocodylus cataphractus) is restricted to Lake Tanganyika and possibly the lower Malagarasi river.
Species Richness High
Endemism High
Biological Distinctiveness Globally outstanding
LakeNet Programs
General Information .............................
Description Lake Tanganyika is home to more than 2,000 plant and animal species, and is one of the richest freshwater ecosystems in the world. About 600 of these species exist nowhere else in the world outside the Lake Tanganyika watershed.
Tanganyika is the third largest lake in the world by volume, exceeded only by the Caspian and Baikal. Tanganyika is also one of less than 20 ancient lakes on earth. Lake Tanganyika is the second largest lake in Africa. Although it is less than half the size of Lake Victoria, it drains an area approximately the same size (200,000 km2).
Much of the lake's coastline is high escarpment, falling directly into the lake.
Country Burundi
Congo (Democratic Republic)
Tanzania
Zambia
Latitude -6° 0' 0" (-6.0000)
Longitude 29° 35' 0" (29.5833)
State
Lake Region African Great Lakes
River Basin Congo
Maps
Tanganyika global index map (LakeNet Explorer)
Largest Lakes in the World by Area (LakeNet Explorer 2004)
Largest Lakes of the World by Volume (LakeNet Explorer 2004)
Tanganyika locator map
Lakes of East Africa
Africa Lake Biodiversity Conservation Priorities 2003
Ancient Lakes of the World
Lake Basin Management Initiative (LakeNet Explorer)
Physical Characteristics
Description
Volume 19,000.00 km3
Surface Area 32,600.00 km2
Depth Mean depth: 570.0 m
Maximum depth: 1,470.0 m
Residence Time 440.0 years
Age 2 million - 20 million years before present
Origin Tectonic
Trophic State Oligotrophic
Type Fresh
Permanent
Natural
Catchment Catchment size: 220,000.00 km2
Catchment/surface area ratio: 7:1
Socio-Political
Economic Value Approximately one million people live around the lake. Tanganyika is a source of fish for consumption and for trade, and a vital transport and communications link between the countries bordering it.
Major Cities Bujumbura, Kigoma
Population 10,000,000 (0)
Watershed Management
Description In 1995 the Global Environment Facility funded a five year project, "Pollution Control and Other Measures to Protect Biodiversity in Lake Tanganyika."
One of the outcomes of the project was a Strategic Action Programme for the Sustainable Management of Lake Tanganyika (SAP) which was developed through a process of stakeholder consultation and public involvement. The SAP outlines a regional framework for national and regional priority actions to achieve the objectives set out by the participating countries. As of 2001, priorities that had been identified included: urban pollution from Bujumbura, sedimentation from mid-sized catchments, overfishing in the littoral zone and habitat destruction.
Watershed Action Plan Developed
Issues Urban pollution sources include boat discharges in the lake. Oil and mineral exploration is also a concern. Measures need to be introduced to manage the ornamental fish trade and future mining projects.
Other Issues Atmospheric Deposition
Erosion
Invasive Species
Polluted runoff
Fisheries
Specific Contaminants Pesticides
Monitoring
Biodiversity Conservation
Description Lake Tanganyika is home to over 250 cichlid fish species. African cichlid fish are the largest and most diverse radiation of vertebrate species in the world. In addition, Lake Tanganyika also contains other species flocks including non-cichlid fish, gastropods, bivalves, leeches and sponges.
Studying the biodiversity of Lake Tanganyika with national teams of SCUBA divers who conduct habitat profiles and censuses of fish and invertebrates is the foundation of the Biodiversity Special Study (BIOSS) strategy. 22 scientists from national research institutions, fisheries departments, universities, parks, and other collaborating agencies have been trained to SCUBA dive and trained in underwater research techniques.
Designations LakeNet Biodiversity Priority
Ramsar Site
WWF Global 200
Species of Concern The slender snouted crocodile (Crocodylus cataphractus) is restricted to Lake Tanganyika and possibly the lower Malagarasi river.
Species Richness High
Endemism High
Biological Distinctiveness Globally outstanding
LakeNet Programs
CICHLIDS
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
LAKE TANGANYIKA CICHLIDS
Lake Tanganyika has over 150 species belonging to more than 50 genera have been described, although many undescribed and undiscovered species are likely to exist.
Geologists believe that Lake Tanganyika was formed 7-10 millions years ago, making it considerably older than Lake Malawi. Lake Tanganyika is located along the East African Rift and creates the borders between Tanzania and Zaire. This elongated, rocky lake is 440 miles (708 km) long and sometimes as wide as 50 miles (80 km).
Lake Tanganyika is a deep lake, with some parts exceeding the depths of 4,820 feet (1470 m).Unlike other lakes of its size, the water of Lake Tanganyika does circulate and a thermocline is not created. This phenomenon gives rise to a theory that Lake Tanganyika could, at its extreme depths, be heated by the earth's core. Even though the lake has a, relatively speaking, uniform temperature, most fish species only inhabit the first 450 feet (137 m) from the water's surface.
The surface temperature of Lake Tanganyika ranges from 73-88°F (23-31°C), although most fish inhabit areas with a temperature from 75-84°F (24-29°C). The water is medium hard with a dH from 7-11, and the pH varies from 7.8 to 8.8.
Lake Tanganyika cichlids have adapted to the ecological niches of the lake in order to survive. Thus cichlids of Lake Tanganyika vary greatly in body shape, unlike the uniform shape of their counterparts in Lake Malawi. Feeding habits of Lake Tanganyika cichlids also differ. An interesting example of a specialization of feeding behavior, is the eating of the scales and fins of other fish.
SIZE: Most Lake Tanganyika cichlids range in size from 2" (5 cm) to 14" (35.5 cm).
TANK: In most cases, a 32" (80 cm) or 30 gallon (114 L) tank is sufficient for a small community of Lake Tanganyika cichlids. In larger tanks, a greater variety of fish, including those from different biotopes, can be combined. The tank should be set-up as the fish's natural biotope. In most cases, a Tanganyika cichlid will fall into one of two scenarios.
(1) A great deal of fish inhabit the rocky shore areas of Lake Tanganyika. These fish should be kept in a tank with a rocky set-up. Rocks can be used to construct caves, overhangs, tunnels, and crevices. These structures serve as fine spawning sites and, more importantly, are essential for harassed fish, as hiding places. Dominant fish will quickly establish territories among the caves, thus it is important to provide a shelter for each fish.
(2) For cichlids that inhabit sandy regions; a sand substrate with a scattering of snail shells, should be used. These sand-dwelling cichlids will seek shelter in these shells and also use them as spawning sites. Regardless of the biotope, all Lake Tanganyika cichlids must be provided with a large open swimming areas. Use a filter that provides little or no current, as Lake Tanganyika has little. With both groups a coral sand bottom should be used to buffer the water at an alkaline level.
WATER: As mentioned in the introduction of Lake Tanganyika cichlids, a water temperature of 75-84°F (24-29°C) is tolerated. A pH from 7.5-9.0, and a water hardness from 7-18 dH is acceptable.
SB: As with many other cichlids, Lake Tanganyika cichlids exhibit aggressive behavior. The aggression can be dispersed by keeping a good number of fish in a tank with plenty of rocky retreats. If only a small number of cichlids are kept, quarrels may be more common. With regards to a community tank, Lake Tanganyika of a similar size can be easily combined with other Lake Tanganyika species. In a large tank, cichlids of different biotopes (rocky, sand, and/or open water) can be combined. Lake Tanganyika cichlids can be kept with other robust cichlids and catfish of similar sizes and water requirements. Some species of Lake Malawi cichlids are suitable companions, such as those of the genus Aulonocara, although most mbunas are too competitive for food to be housed with Lake Tanganyika cichlids.
SC: Other Lake Tanganyika cichlids, Synodontis, Aulonocara, Lamprichthys (Tanganyika Killifish), Afromastacembelus (Tanganyika Spiny Eels), some have combined peaceful Lamprologus allies with Australian or New Guinea Rainbowfish with success.
FOOD: Most Lake Tanganyika cichlids will happily take live foods especially crustaceans, insect larvae, and aquatic insects. Some species will take commercially prepared dry foods including flakes, tablets, and pellets. Some species will take algae. All Lake Tanganyika cichlids should be given a varied diet to keep them in top condition.
B: The cichlids of Lake Tanganyika are shelter brooders. Most fall into one of two groups; either cavity or mouth-brooders.
CAVITY BROODERS
Before successfully spawning a pair of Lake Tanganyika cichlids, a compatible pair must be found. To accomplish this, one should start with five to six immature fish and raise them from youth. The tank should include only these fish and have a number of retreats. As the fish grow, some individuals will be driven away or harassed. They will often be left \to hide in a cave or corner. This fish should be moved to a separate aquarium. This transfer should be continued until only a male and a female remain. Spawning may come with time, after several months or a year. After the first spawning, the pair should be moved to a larger aquarium as they are a compatible pair. Cavity brooders include fish of the genera Altolamprologus, Lamprologus, Julidochromis , and Neolamprologus . A pair will dig a pit in the substrate between or in rock structures and establish a territory around it. Depending on the species from ten to several hundred eggs will be laid at a time. The eggs are laid in this depression and the fry are raised in it. The pair will defend the territory against outside invaders. Often "helpers," immature fish from prior spawnings, will help the pair guard the eggs and the territory.
Another type of cavity brooder found in Lake Tanganyika is the snail shell spawner. There are some nine species of Lamprologus that are known to participate in this spawning habit. Each female establishes a territory in an empty snail shell-usually of the genus Neothauma. The female lays the eggs in her shell. Depending on the species, the male is monogamous or polygamous. Monogamous males will visit the female's snail shell and fertilize her eggs. Polygamous males will visit the shells of several females, fertilizing the eggs of each one as he visits. In both cases the females are left to care for the young and the fry.
MOUTHBROODERS
This group includes, among others, Cyphotilapia, Cyprichromis, Eretmodus, Tropheus, and Xenotilapia. Usually the eggs are scattered or laid on a substrate. They are then fertilized by the male, either in the female's mouth or on the substrate. The number of eggs varies greatly on the species, with Tropheus species laying as few as 5-10 eggs and Lobochilotes species laying several hundred. The eggs are incubated for about 30 days at a warm temperature of 82-86°F (28-30°C). The young are fairly large, from 1/2 to 5/ 8" (1.3 to 1.6 cm) in length, when they emerge. The young are free-swimming and capable of surviving on their own. Although the young are capable of independence they still take refuge in the mother's mouth at times of danger and sometimes at night. The mother consumes food while she is mouth brooding the eggs, thus it is probable that the fry also eat in their time in the throat cavity. After about a week, the young are abandoned by the parents to fend for themselves. Start feeding with Artemia nauplii, Daphnia, and crushed dry foods.
R: Lake Tanganyika cichlids are more particular to water chemistry than Lake Malawi Cichlids. Many are sensitive to the build-up of toxic compounds, so water changes should be performed on a regular basis. However, most species are sensitive to less frequent, massive water changes.
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Lake Tanganyika Cichlids - Species profiles
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
LAKE TANGANYIKA CICHLIDS
Lake Tanganyika has over 150 species belonging to more than 50 genera have been described, although many undescribed and undiscovered species are likely to exist.
Geologists believe that Lake Tanganyika was formed 7-10 millions years ago, making it considerably older than Lake Malawi. Lake Tanganyika is located along the East African Rift and creates the borders between Tanzania and Zaire. This elongated, rocky lake is 440 miles (708 km) long and sometimes as wide as 50 miles (80 km).
Lake Tanganyika is a deep lake, with some parts exceeding the depths of 4,820 feet (1470 m).Unlike other lakes of its size, the water of Lake Tanganyika does circulate and a thermocline is not created. This phenomenon gives rise to a theory that Lake Tanganyika could, at its extreme depths, be heated by the earth's core. Even though the lake has a, relatively speaking, uniform temperature, most fish species only inhabit the first 450 feet (137 m) from the water's surface.
The surface temperature of Lake Tanganyika ranges from 73-88°F (23-31°C), although most fish inhabit areas with a temperature from 75-84°F (24-29°C). The water is medium hard with a dH from 7-11, and the pH varies from 7.8 to 8.8.
Lake Tanganyika cichlids have adapted to the ecological niches of the lake in order to survive. Thus cichlids of Lake Tanganyika vary greatly in body shape, unlike the uniform shape of their counterparts in Lake Malawi. Feeding habits of Lake Tanganyika cichlids also differ. An interesting example of a specialization of feeding behavior, is the eating of the scales and fins of other fish.
SIZE: Most Lake Tanganyika cichlids range in size from 2" (5 cm) to 14" (35.5 cm).
TANK: In most cases, a 32" (80 cm) or 30 gallon (114 L) tank is sufficient for a small community of Lake Tanganyika cichlids. In larger tanks, a greater variety of fish, including those from different biotopes, can be combined. The tank should be set-up as the fish's natural biotope. In most cases, a Tanganyika cichlid will fall into one of two scenarios.
(1) A great deal of fish inhabit the rocky shore areas of Lake Tanganyika. These fish should be kept in a tank with a rocky set-up. Rocks can be used to construct caves, overhangs, tunnels, and crevices. These structures serve as fine spawning sites and, more importantly, are essential for harassed fish, as hiding places. Dominant fish will quickly establish territories among the caves, thus it is important to provide a shelter for each fish.
(2) For cichlids that inhabit sandy regions; a sand substrate with a scattering of snail shells, should be used. These sand-dwelling cichlids will seek shelter in these shells and also use them as spawning sites. Regardless of the biotope, all Lake Tanganyika cichlids must be provided with a large open swimming areas. Use a filter that provides little or no current, as Lake Tanganyika has little. With both groups a coral sand bottom should be used to buffer the water at an alkaline level.
WATER: As mentioned in the introduction of Lake Tanganyika cichlids, a water temperature of 75-84°F (24-29°C) is tolerated. A pH from 7.5-9.0, and a water hardness from 7-18 dH is acceptable.
SB: As with many other cichlids, Lake Tanganyika cichlids exhibit aggressive behavior. The aggression can be dispersed by keeping a good number of fish in a tank with plenty of rocky retreats. If only a small number of cichlids are kept, quarrels may be more common. With regards to a community tank, Lake Tanganyika of a similar size can be easily combined with other Lake Tanganyika species. In a large tank, cichlids of different biotopes (rocky, sand, and/or open water) can be combined. Lake Tanganyika cichlids can be kept with other robust cichlids and catfish of similar sizes and water requirements. Some species of Lake Malawi cichlids are suitable companions, such as those of the genus Aulonocara, although most mbunas are too competitive for food to be housed with Lake Tanganyika cichlids.
SC: Other Lake Tanganyika cichlids, Synodontis, Aulonocara, Lamprichthys (Tanganyika Killifish), Afromastacembelus (Tanganyika Spiny Eels), some have combined peaceful Lamprologus allies with Australian or New Guinea Rainbowfish with success.
FOOD: Most Lake Tanganyika cichlids will happily take live foods especially crustaceans, insect larvae, and aquatic insects. Some species will take commercially prepared dry foods including flakes, tablets, and pellets. Some species will take algae. All Lake Tanganyika cichlids should be given a varied diet to keep them in top condition.
B: The cichlids of Lake Tanganyika are shelter brooders. Most fall into one of two groups; either cavity or mouth-brooders.
CAVITY BROODERS
Before successfully spawning a pair of Lake Tanganyika cichlids, a compatible pair must be found. To accomplish this, one should start with five to six immature fish and raise them from youth. The tank should include only these fish and have a number of retreats. As the fish grow, some individuals will be driven away or harassed. They will often be left \to hide in a cave or corner. This fish should be moved to a separate aquarium. This transfer should be continued until only a male and a female remain. Spawning may come with time, after several months or a year. After the first spawning, the pair should be moved to a larger aquarium as they are a compatible pair. Cavity brooders include fish of the genera Altolamprologus, Lamprologus, Julidochromis , and Neolamprologus . A pair will dig a pit in the substrate between or in rock structures and establish a territory around it. Depending on the species from ten to several hundred eggs will be laid at a time. The eggs are laid in this depression and the fry are raised in it. The pair will defend the territory against outside invaders. Often "helpers," immature fish from prior spawnings, will help the pair guard the eggs and the territory.
Another type of cavity brooder found in Lake Tanganyika is the snail shell spawner. There are some nine species of Lamprologus that are known to participate in this spawning habit. Each female establishes a territory in an empty snail shell-usually of the genus Neothauma. The female lays the eggs in her shell. Depending on the species, the male is monogamous or polygamous. Monogamous males will visit the female's snail shell and fertilize her eggs. Polygamous males will visit the shells of several females, fertilizing the eggs of each one as he visits. In both cases the females are left to care for the young and the fry.
MOUTHBROODERS
This group includes, among others, Cyphotilapia, Cyprichromis, Eretmodus, Tropheus, and Xenotilapia. Usually the eggs are scattered or laid on a substrate. They are then fertilized by the male, either in the female's mouth or on the substrate. The number of eggs varies greatly on the species, with Tropheus species laying as few as 5-10 eggs and Lobochilotes species laying several hundred. The eggs are incubated for about 30 days at a warm temperature of 82-86°F (28-30°C). The young are fairly large, from 1/2 to 5/ 8" (1.3 to 1.6 cm) in length, when they emerge. The young are free-swimming and capable of surviving on their own. Although the young are capable of independence they still take refuge in the mother's mouth at times of danger and sometimes at night. The mother consumes food while she is mouth brooding the eggs, thus it is probable that the fry also eat in their time in the throat cavity. After about a week, the young are abandoned by the parents to fend for themselves. Start feeding with Artemia nauplii, Daphnia, and crushed dry foods.
R: Lake Tanganyika cichlids are more particular to water chemistry than Lake Malawi Cichlids. Many are sensitive to the build-up of toxic compounds, so water changes should be performed on a regular basis. However, most species are sensitive to less frequent, massive water changes.
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Lake Tanganyika Cichlids - Species profiles
I have always been fascinated by the Frontosa. They are my favourite fish and I love leaning about them. I am writing this as a tribute to the death of my C. sp. "North" Burundi.
Feel free to correct any misinformation - It is encouraged!
There are many different kinds of Frontosa...there are only is only one species that is actually considered "frontosa" the rest are Gibberosa.
The Frontsa lives in lake Tanganyika. There are four countries that surround this lake: to the northeast is Burudi, to the east and southeast is Tanzania, to the southwest is Zambia, and to the west is and southwest is Dem. Rep. of Congo (Zaire).
BASICALLY:
North-Burundi
East-Tanzania
South-Zambia
West-Dem. Rep. of Congo (Zaire)
There are seven basic types of Cyphotilapia:
Frontosa :
Gibberosa:
http://www.e-aquariumthai.com/Customer/Aquarium/aquariumthai.nsf/(NewsList)/13C7D1A7855B35CA47256DFF00349E66?OpenDocument
AND this guy has also started a Frontosa thread:
http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=162141&highlight=Frontosa
Feel free to correct any misinformation - It is encouraged!
There are many different kinds of Frontosa...there are only is only one species that is actually considered "frontosa" the rest are Gibberosa.
The Frontsa lives in lake Tanganyika. There are four countries that surround this lake: to the northeast is Burudi, to the east and southeast is Tanzania, to the southwest is Zambia, and to the west is and southwest is Dem. Rep. of Congo (Zaire).
BASICALLY:
North-Burundi
East-Tanzania
South-Zambia
West-Dem. Rep. of Congo (Zaire)
There are seven basic types of Cyphotilapia:
Frontosa :
- C. frontosa Kingoma: Has a powder blue face, gold dorsal fin, black blotch below the eye, and is only frontosa with seven stripes (including the black blotch below the eye). Found in Tanzania and some MAY come from Burudi also, but I am not sure. This is the only true C. Frontosa as it ws the original type specimen described.
Gibberosa:
- C. sp. Burundi: Has six stripes (including its 'lone ranger' mask, and has only a little blue on it's face and fins. This is the first Cyphotilapia introduced to the hobby in the late 60's and is found in Burundi and the Congo. Most Burundi's exported from the lake are pond raised fry and since it is the most common frontosa, it is most likely to be purchased at your local fish shop.
- C. sp. 'North' Kavala: Has a yellow dorsal fin with a rainbow like sheen, and a white pearly color on some of the body with six stripes (including its 'lone ranger mask'. Found in the Congo.
- Mpimwe: Is very blue, has six stipes (including the somewhat different 'lone ranger' mask), and has much more personality and is much more active than any of the other types, without any agression. This is one of the most recently discovered Cyphotilapia types (1992).
- C. gibberosa Zaire: The most blue coloration than any of the other Cyphotilapia - but also more towards the purple side, the black stipes are a deep black colour, has six stripes (including its mask), and the Nuchal hump does not grow as large. Collecting is tricky beacause of the great depths that these beauties live at (it may take over 5 days to bring these up because of the pressure and other factors) and also because of politicial strife in the Congo, so price is relatively high. Discovered in 1990 and since these are so wild, it is difficult to breed in captivity.
- C. gibberosa Zambia: 3rd to bluest Cyphotilapia but doesn't carry as much blue as seen in the Mpimbwe or Zaire type, It has a very blue face, has six stripes (including th mask), and also has a nice contrast of back and white stripes. The Zambia type doesn't get real dark as it gets older like the Burundi or Kingoma tyes. Zambian types that are almost identical to each other: Chaitika, Ikola, Samazi, and Bismark. It is difficult to produce fry with this fish because the females don't brood their eggs well.
http://www.e-aquariumthai.com/Customer/Aquarium/aquariumthai.nsf/(NewsList)/13C7D1A7855B35CA47256DFF00349E66?OpenDocument
AND this guy has also started a Frontosa thread:
http://www.monsterfishkeepers.com/forums/showthread.php?t=162141&highlight=Frontosa
If anyone can offer me some suggestions publicly or privately on stimulating Mobas to breed? My specimens are too damn beautiful to not be breeding and I feel guilty owning this beautiful WC fish and not lending back into the bloodlines in my area. Alpha male is anxious to get going, but the female he courts is not interested in anyway, even after taking them off food, and large cool waterchanges. I will be trying a drastic temporary change in diet (staple is NLS 3mm Cichlid), but am really hoping to hear from you with experience spawning Moba Frontosa.
When I've asked this elsewhere, I get the same suggestions followed by "Yeah, and mobas tend to be one of the most difficult to breed really successfully. I'd settle for poor rates with some matings at all.
When I've asked this elsewhere, I get the same suggestions followed by "Yeah, and mobas tend to be one of the most difficult to breed really successfully. I'd settle for poor rates with some matings at all.
