Title: Cyprichromis Leptosoma
Josh - June 9, 2007 02:35 PM (GMT)
Cyprichromis leptosoma
Profile Submitted by:
Joshua Stewart
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Scientific Name:
Cyprichromis leptosoma
Common/Trade Names:
These fish have several different variants as well as a number of trade names. Kigoma, Kipilli, Malasa, and utinta are a few localities as well as Blue flash and sardine for trade names
Country of Origin:
Cyprichromis leptosoma are found thought-out Lake Tanganyika except for the most northern part (Burundi and North Congo).
Habitat:
Leptosoma is an open water swimmer. Males will guard an area in mid water. These fish are found between 3 and 40 meters in depth
Max Size Male: 8-9cm
Max Size Female: 6cm
Tank Requirements:
I have found this fish to quite aggressive towards each other. The males tend to be rather hard on their females. I started with 1 male and 2 females, but kept them in a 600L tank and they did quite well.
These fish love the open water and will tend to stick to the top levels of the tank.
Diet/Feeding:
Cyprichromis leptosoma Malasa feeds on Zooplankton in the wild, but does readily accept and foods in the aquarium. I feed mine a mixture of Flake and home made food mix.
Breeding:
A Cyprichromis leptosoma Malasa male guards an area in mid water. Watching these fish spawning is something very different. The female drops the eggs in mid water then quickly turns and gathers them in her mouth, while the male fertilizes them.
This fish is typical of most Cichlids and are maternal Mouth brooders.
General Comments:
These fish a stunning addition to any Aquarium. They diet can be varied greatly and so they can be kept with many types of fish. I currently house mine with a group of Tropheus and both groups are very good breeders.
Profile Submitted by:
Joshua Stewart
Thumbnail Pics
Scientific Name:
Cyprichromis leptosoma
Common/Trade Names:
These fish have several different variants as well as a number of trade names. Kigoma, Kipilli, Malasa, and utinta are a few localities as well as Blue flash and sardine for trade names
Country of Origin:
Cyprichromis leptosoma are found thought-out Lake Tanganyika except for the most northern part (Burundi and North Congo).
Habitat:
Leptosoma is an open water swimmer. Males will guard an area in mid water. These fish are found between 3 and 40 meters in depth
Max Size Male: 8-9cm
Max Size Female: 6cm
Tank Requirements:
I have found this fish to quite aggressive towards each other. The males tend to be rather hard on their females. I started with 1 male and 2 females, but kept them in a 600L tank and they did quite well.
These fish love the open water and will tend to stick to the top levels of the tank.
Diet/Feeding:
Cyprichromis leptosoma Malasa feeds on Zooplankton in the wild, but does readily accept and foods in the aquarium. I feed mine a mixture of Flake and home made food mix.
Breeding:
A Cyprichromis leptosoma Malasa male guards an area in mid water. Watching these fish spawning is something very different. The female drops the eggs in mid water then quickly turns and gathers them in her mouth, while the male fertilizes them.
This fish is typical of most Cichlids and are maternal Mouth brooders.
General Comments:
These fish a stunning addition to any Aquarium. They diet can be varied greatly and so they can be kept with many types of fish. I currently house mine with a group of Tropheus and both groups are very good breeders.