Haplochromis Venustus

Profile:

Distribution : Lake Malawi

Size : Up to 10 inches for Male, Smaller for female

PH : 7.7 to 8.6 

Temperature : 22 to 29 ⁰ C (higher temperature for breeding).

Hardness : (Medium hard to hard, moderately alkaline water).

Diet : Piscivore. Flake, freeze fried & frozen and pellet food. Live Prawns etc.

Breeding : Open polygamous, mouth brooder.

Sexual Difference :  Males are much more colourful with a blue head. Females are more drab in colour. 

Description:

This Hap inhabits sandy substrates of Lake Malawi.  It is an aggressive fish but can easily be bullied by bigger Malawi Haps. Therefore it is not a good idea to put them in the company of bigger fishes. 

I used to have 3 of these in the tank, 2 males and 1 female.  They seemed to be doing well with 1 of the male being the dominant party. The female is quite drab but the dominant male is beautiful with a dark blue face and spots of yellow on the body. 

Likes     :    Eats anything.  Active and colourful.  

Dislikes  :       Aggressive (but manageable)

Spawning of the Venustus

The eggs can be clearly seen "hanging" from the female and both fish started to circulate the site, chasing away other fishes. The male will  first indicate the location and the female circled around the spot depositing 2-3 eggs every round.  Some eggs were subsequently consumed by the male in the following round. Some were picked up by the female and she then tried to nip at the male's anal fins to fertilise the eggs in her mouth.