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Malawi
Cichlids require excellent water condition to thrive successfully.
They are intolerant of dissolved metabolites. Efficient filtration and
regular large volume changes of water are therefore require to
maintain them.
These
fish are often aggressive and active. To minimise aggression, it is common
practice to maintain them at high population densities. This will in
turn be challenging to keep the water in pristine condition.
Temperature
of 220-250C (720-770F)
is suffice for day-to-day well being and increase the temperature by a
couple of degrees for breeding purposes. Majority of these fish
relish algae and will tear out any water plants. Even if they are not
consumed, they are likely to be uprooted with the constant digging.
All of the
Cichlids from Lake Malawi
are open polygamous maternal breeders. Spawning follow a
prolonged and
often vigorous courtship.
After a
period of reciprocal circling, the female lay eggs a few at a time,
fertilise by the male and then pick up by the female re-circling
the spawning site. In certain species, the fertilising is done
with female nipping at the male's vent after the eggs are picked up.
The
female can hold the brood in her mouth for up to 28 days before she
splits them out. During this period, the female eats very
little.
The
better known groups of Malawi cichlids are the Mbuna (rockfish),
Aulonocara (Peacocks) and Haplochromis.
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