|
|
|
|
The species which before were described as Metriaclima sp."aurora chinuni", Metriaclima sp."aurora blacktail" and Metriaclima sp."aurora yellow" are nowadays described togethes as Metriaclima mossambicum. The former Metriaclima sp."aurora chinuni" can be found directly north of the Lumessi River, Metriaclima sp."aurora blacktail" can be found a little south of the Lumessi River and Metriaclima sp."aurora yellow" can be found a little north of Chinuni. This variant is the former Metriaclima sp."aurora yellow" which can only be found near Lumessi (Mozambique) in reasonable shallow water and in the rocky parts of the intermediate zones between rocks and sand. In the lake the males of these species can grow to 11 cm, in the aquarium however they can grow taller because of a good feeding. The males can then grow to about 13 cm, females grow to about 10 cm. Metriaclima mossambicum can behave intolerant against equal species, against other inhabitants they are in general tolerant. You can best keep this species with multiple females and other mbuna in an aquarium with a lot of hiding places. In the lake they are mainly feeding themselves with algae, invertebrates and plankton. 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. Food rich of algae like spirulina pellets or flakes is very important to them so this should not be missing on their menu. 
|