Astatotilapia nubila Care Guide
Astatotilapia nubila is a hardy Lake Victoria mouthbrooding cichlid in which spawning males turn dark with red fins, reaching about 9 cm.
Overview
Astatotilapia nubila is a haplochromine cichlid described by Boulenger in 1906 (originally as Tilapia nubila) and found in the Lake Victoria system of East Africa. Spawning males develop dark, nearly black coloration with red anal and dorsal fins, while females are muted brown and green. It is a hardy mouthbrooder.
Taxonomy
- Family: Cichlidae
- Genus: Astatotilapia
- Scientific name: Astatotilapia nubila
- Author: Boulenger, 1906
- Synonyms: Haplochromis nubilus, Tilapia nubila
Habitat
Wikipedia reports the species from the Lake Victoria system in East Africa, inhabiting shallow areas near shores. The Victoria basin is warm and alkaline, which shapes its aquarium requirements.
Tank requirements
- Maximum size: about 9.3 cm (3.7 in) SL (Wikipedia)
- Temperature: 24-28 °C (KB record, warm Victoria water)
- pH: 7.5-8.5 (KB record, alkaline Victoria water)
- Rocky or open aquascape with hiding places
- Keep one male with several females
Diet
Wikipedia describes the species as omnivorous, feeding on algae, small crustaceans and insect larvae. A varied diet including vegetable matter suits it in aquaria.
Compatibility
Wikipedia notes that dominant males become highly aggressive and territorial when spawning, so it is kept one male with several females. It mixes with other robust Victorian-region cichlids and Synodontis, away from small dwarf cichlids.
Breeding
It is a maternal mouthbrooder, with the female incubating eggs and fry in her mouth.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Vulnerable (assessed 2010).