Southern mouthbrooder - Pseudocrenilabrus philander philander

Scientific name: Pseudocrenilabrus philander philander

Common name: Southern mouthbrooder

Family: Cichlidae

Usual size in fish tanks: 8 - 10 cm (3.15 - 3.94 inch)

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Recommended pH range for the species: 6.5 - 7.5

Recommended water hardness (dGH): 10 - 14°N (178.57 - 250ppm)

0°C 32°F30°C 86°F

Recommended temperature: 22 - 25 °C (71.6 - 77°F)

The way how these fish reproduce: Spawning

Where the species comes from: Africa

Temperament to its own species: aggressive/territorial

Temperament toward other fish species: aggressive/territorial

Usual place in the tank: Bottom levels

Food and feeding

Any foods offered will be accepted. Quality flake or small pellets should provide the staple diet, treats of brine shrimp and blood worm should also be given.

Origin

Africa: although Southern mouthbrooder is found in Lake Malawi it is not endemic to the lake, it is also found in the Orange River and Zambezi River.

Sexing

The males will display intense coloration when in spawning mode but the females maintain a more drab appearance.

Breeding

Unlike most dwarf cichlids, these are unique for mouth brooding. When spawning is complete, the female will scoop up the eggs for incubation. The brooding period will continue for up to 2 weeks and in this time the female will not eat. Most Malawi cichlids will release their fry and move on but this fish will still protect the fry for several more days. The fish do not pair as such, after spawning the male will look for another mate.

Lifespan

The expected life span for Pseudocrenilabrus philander philander is 3-5 years.

Short description

Pseudocrenilabrus philander philander do best in a planted tank. They will tolerate most water parameters but cannot handle higher nitrates.Bear in mind that Southern mouthbrooders need enough space, since they are aggressive towards each other.

Pictures

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