Edit Oreochromis grahami
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Name
Scientific name
Oreochromis grahami
Described by
Authority Boulenger, Year 1912, Bracketed
Family
Cichlidae
Common names
Graham's Soda Cichlid, Magadi Tilapia
Photograph credits
Not recorded
Summary
Graham's soda cichlid, Alcolapia grahami, is endemic to Lake Magadi in Kenya, a shallow soda lake full of hot, alkaline springs. It lives a…
Size and aquarium
Maximum size
120mm, standard length
Aquarium size
Minimum length 90 cm, Minimum depth 30 cm, Minimum height 30 cm
Water
Water conditions
8–10
Hardness
10–35dGH
Conductivity
Not recorded
Behaviour
Temperament
Peaceful
Social needs
Not recorded
Community suitability
Not recorded
Where it lives
Countries, regions, rivers and lakes
Kenya, Lake Magadi
Writing
Etymology
Alcolapia: etymology not explained, but appears to be a combination of the Latin alcali, meaning 'alkali', in reference to genus members' habitat preferences, …
Distribution
Endemic to Lake Magadi in the Republic of Kenya, East Africa.
Habitat
It inhabits the shoreline of the lake around alkaline hot spring inlets and lagoons.
Aquarium size
90 ∗ 30 ∗ 30 cm - ~81 litres.
Maintenance
The tank can be relatively sparse. A sandy substrate is best as this fish likes to dig. Some rock piles arranged to form caves and hiding places are the only o…
Water conditions
Not written yet
Diet
Live and frozen foods should comprise a large proportion of the diet. Dried foods are also accepted. Ensure the fish receive some vegetable matter as part of t…
Behaviour and compatibility
It seems to be a fairly peaceful species but should be kept alone due to its extreme water requirements. It's territorial with conspecifics but its small size …
Sexual dimorphism
Males tend to grow larger and are more colourful than females.
Reproduction
Possible but not often achieved in aquaria due to the rarity of the fish! Little information is available. Maternal mouthbrooder. The aquarium should be set up…
Notes
This species is a true wonder of nature. It lives in a soda lake which is full of hot, alkaline springs. The water contains a high concentration of sodium carb…
References
References
No references