Edit Aristochromis christyi
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Name
Scientific name
Aristochromis christyi
Described by
Authority Trewavas, Year 1935
Family
Cichlidae
Common names
Not recorded
Photograph credits
All 1 credited
Summary
Aristochromis christyi is a predatory cichlid endemic to Lake Malawi, found throughout the lake but most commonly in intermediate zones. Gr…
Size and aquarium
Maximum size
300mm, standard length
Aquarium size
Minimum length 180 cm, Minimum depth 60 cm, Minimum height 60 cm
Water
Water conditions
Temperature 24–26°C, pH 7.5–9
Hardness
10–30dGH
Conductivity
Not recorded
Behaviour
Temperament
Predatory
Social needs
Solitary or specimen
Community suitability
Not for a community
Where it lives
Countries, regions, rivers and lakes
Malawi, Mozambique, Tanzania, Lake Malawi
Writing
Etymology
Not written yet
Distribution
Endemic to Lake Malawi and is found throughout the lake thus it can be said to occur in the countries of Malawi, Mozambique and Tanzania.
Habitat
It's widespread in the lake and occurs most commonly in the so-called intermediate zones, where rocky shores give way to open sand.
Aquarium size
Minimum base dimensions of 180 ∗ 60 ∗ 60 cm should be considered mandatory for long-term care.
Maintenance
As it's an open water species, it needs plenty of swimming space. A sandy substrate is recommended. Add some rock piles to provide variation and hiding places.…
Water conditions
Not written yet
Diet
Although the species is a piscivore by nature (it preys chiefly on other cichlids) it can easily be trained to accept dead foods in aquaria. Most specimens acc…
Behaviour and compatibility
A predatory species that should not be combined with tankmates it can fit into its capacious mouth. It can however be combined with similarly-sized fishes that…
Sexual dimorphism
The male has a blue sheen to the body which intensifies greatly when in spawning condition. The dark body stripe also disappears in breeding males.
Reproduction
Has been achieved in the hobby, albeit infrequently. It's a polygamous maternal mouthbrooder that utilises a similar breeding strategy to most other Lake Malaw…
Notes
This is currently the only described species of Aristochromis and despite having a wide distribution, it's not particularly common in Lake Malawi. Correspondin…
References
References
No references