Edit Aulonocara jacobfreibergi
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Name
Scientific name
Aulonocara jacobfreibergi
Described by
Authority Johnson, Year 1974
Family
Cichlidae
Summary
The Malawi butterfly, Aulonocara jacobfreibergi, is a cichlid endemic to Lake Malawi, living where rocky shores give way to sand. One of th…
Size and aquarium
Maximum size
170mm, standard length
Tank size
Minimum length 120 cm, Minimum depth 60 cm
Water
Temperature and pH
Temperature 25–29°C, pH 7.5–9
Hardness
10–25dGH
Conductivity
Not recorded
Behaviour
Temperament
Not recorded
Social needs
One male with several females
Community suitability
Community-safe
Where it lives
Countries
Malawi, Mozambique, Tanzania
Supporting text
Etymology
Not written yet
Distribution
Endemic to Lake Malawi where it's known only from the southern portion of the lake with populations including Cape Maclear, Otter Point, Mumbo and Domwe Island…
Habitat
Inhabits the so-called intermediate zones of the lake, where rocky shores give way to sandy bottoms with scattered rocks. Towards the northern limit of its ran…
Aquarium size
Minimum base dimensions of 120 ∗ 60 cm48 ∗ 24 in or equivalent are recommended unless keeping the fish in smaller aquaria for breeding pruposes.
Maintenance
Arrange some piles of rockwork around the tank but leave some open spaces between them and use fine sand as substrate so that it's able to feed naturally (see …
Water conditions
Not written yet
Diet
Aulonocara spp. are benthophagous by nature, employing a method of feeding whereby mouthfuls of substrate are taken and sifted for edible items with the remain…
Behaviour and compatibility
Not as peaceful as some of its congeners and males tend to react aggressively any fish with a similar colour pattern, in particular, so take care when selectin…
Sexual dimorphism
Males are larger and more colourful than females.
Reproduction
Maternal mouthbrooder which will often spawn in a community set-up, but should be moved or maintained in a specific tank if the intention is to maximise yield.…
Notes
This was one of the first Aulonocara spp. to enter the hobby and its popularity has endured. It's known by several other vernacular names including 'Freiberg's…
References
References
2 on this profile