Edit Mchenga flavimanus
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Name
Scientific name
Mchenga flavimanus
Described by
Not recorded
Family
Cichlidae
Common names
Not recorded
Photograph credits
Not recorded
Summary
Mchenga flavimanus is a peaceful utaka cichlid endemic to Lake Malawi, known from Nkhata Bay and the islands of Chitande, Mbowe and Kande. …
Size and aquarium
Maximum size
120mm, standard length
Aquarium size
Minimum length 120 cm, Minimum depth 45 cm, Minimum height 45 cm
Water
Water conditions
Temperature 25–29°C, pH 7.5–8.5
Hardness
10–25dGH
Conductivity
Not recorded
Behaviour
Temperament
Peaceful
Social needs
One male with several females
Community suitability
Not recorded
Where it lives
Countries, regions, rivers and lakes
Malawi, Lake Malawi
Writing
Etymology
Not written yet
Distribution
Endemic to Lake Malawi. The type specimen was collected from Nkhata Bay. It can also be found around the islands of Chitande, Mbowe and Kande.
Habitat
Primarily associated with sandy areas or isolated boulders in quite shallow water (5-20 metres depth). It shoals in the open water in large numbers, often alon…
Aquarium size
Given its active nature it really shouldn't be kept in tanks measuring less than 120 ∗ 45 ∗ 45 cm - ~243 litres.
Maintenance
As it's an open water species it needs plenty of swimming space. A substrate of sand is best. Add some rock piles to provide variation, hiding places and poten…
Water conditions
Temperature: 25 – 29 °C pH: 7.5-8.5 Hardness: 10-25°H
Diet
Mchenga are specialised zooplankton feeders, although they usually prove to be unfussy in captivity. Offer a good mixture of small live, frozen and dried foods…
Behaviour and compatibility
A generally peaceful species. It won't do well when kept alongside rowdy or belligerent tankmates and certainly should not be combined with Mbuna. Also avoid s…
Sexual dimorphism
Males are larger, far more colourful and have longer fins than females.
Reproduction
Possible. Maternal mouthbrooder. It should be spawned in a species tank in a harem of one male and at least 3 females. A 48" aquarium is a good size and should…
Notes
The genus Mchenga was erected in 2006 by Stauffer and Konings and currently numbers half a dozen species, all of which are previous members of Copadichromis. T…
References
References
No references