|
|
|
|
|
The cichlids shown here were caught in the neighbourhood of Minos Reef in the eastern part of the lake. In trade they were sold as Labidochromis sp."minos reef" however in my opinion it has some similarity with Labidochromis maculicauda though it seems that this species can not be found southern from Mbamba Bay. Labidochromis maculicauda is mainly living in the breakers zone of the rocky coasts in the northern part of the lake, however they can also be found regularly in the intermediate zones from rocks to sand. Along the northeastern coast they can be found on all rocky locations north of Mbamba Bay and along the northwestern coast north of Kande Island. There are known some geografic variants but also in the different populations are small mutual differences in coloration. In the lake the males of these species can grow to 10 cm, in the aquarium however they can grow a little taller because of a good feeding. The males can then grow to about 12 cm, females grow to about 10 cm. Labidochromis sp."minos reef" is one of the most peaceful cichlids of the lake, mutual and against other species they are very tolerant. You can best keep this species with multiple females and a lot of hiding places in the aquarium, with other not too agressive mbuna. In the lake they are mainly feeding themselves with little insects but also looking for food on rocks covered with algae. In the aquarium they are comfortable with any food. They take everything they get offered, like spirulina pellets, mysis, artemia, cyclops and shrimp-peas mix. 
|