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.
Water
pH: 7.8-9.0, 12-20 dH, 24-28 °C (75-82 °F)
Tank
A rocky set-up, complete with caves and ledges is recommended. The
substrate should be fine
gravel or sand, scattered with
snail shells. Use an efficient
filter that creates little
water current. Make frequent
water changes since
Lake Tanganyika species are especially sensitive to
water pollutants.
Plants
Vallisneria is the only commercially available species, but Anubias and Java Fern are also suitable if the aquariast is willing to bend the
biotope rules.
Fish
Lake Tanganyika cichlids including
snail shell-dwellers, Synodontis, Afromastacembelus eels, Tanganyika
Rainbowfish.
Taken from
Rhett A. Butler/mongabay.com.
Lake Tanganyika
has been viewed times since June 30, 2009.