Victoria biglip hap cichlid - Haplochromis chilotes

Scientific name: Haplochromis chilotes

Common name: Victoria biglip hap cichlid

Family: Cichlidae

Usual size in fish tanks: 14 - 16 cm (5.51 - 6.3 inch)

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Recommended pH range for the species: 7 - 8

Recommended water hardness (dGH): 10 - 20°N (178.57 - 357.14ppm)

0°C 32°F30°C 86°F

Recommended temperature: 20 - 24 °C (68 - 75.2°F)

The way how these fish reproduce: Spawning

Where the species comes from: Africa

Temperament to its own species: peaceful

Temperament toward other fish species: aggressive to smaller

Usual place in the tank: Middle levels

Food and feeding

Spirulina flake, spinach and shrimp pellets are ideal for this fish. Victoria biglip hap cichlids should also be given treats of blood worms and brine shrimp.

Origin

Africa; Victoria biglip hap cichlids are found in Lake Victoria.

Sexing

Males will grow a lot larger than the females and display much more colouration. The females will have a silver green body colour with clear fins.

Breeding

No pair bonding is formed; the male will drift from female to female as he pleases. The female will mouth brood the eggs for 15 days and will take the fry back into her mouth at danger for another week. The fry will be slow growing; it can take a year for a juvenile to develop into an adult.

Lifespan

The expected life span for Haplochromis chilotes is 8-10 years.

Short description

Haplochromis chilotes will require a large tank with plenty of hiding places. One male should be kept with a harem of 3-4 females. Some specimens can be aggressive but generally they are classed as semi-peaceful.

Picture

Bought by aqua-fish.net from jjphoto.dk.