Haplochromis "Fire Fountain" Care Guide
Haplochromis sp. "Fire Fountain" is a brightly coloured Lake Victoria haplochromine mouthbrooder for hard-water community aquariums.
Overview
Haplochromis sp. "Fire Fountain" is a haplochromine cichlid associated with the Lake Victoria region of East Africa. Dominant males show flame-red flanks and a yellow dorsal fin. The genus Haplochromis contains mouthbrooding cichlids that are part of the large species flock of the African Rift lakes.
Taxonomy
- Family: Cichlidae
- Genus: Haplochromis
- Scientific name: Haplochromis sp. "Fire Fountain"
- Common synonyms: Haplochromis sp. 'Fire'
Habitat
Haplochromis cichlids occur in the East African Rift, with Lake Victoria a major centre of diversity. The introduction of the Nile perch from the mid-twentieth century caused steep declines among haplochromines, and aquarium populations help maintain the variety of this group.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 250 L
- Temperature: 24-28 °C (75-82 °F)
- pH: 7.5-8.5
- GH: 10-20 °dGH
- Adult size: about 10-12 cm
- Lifespan: 5-8 years
Diet
Members of Haplochromis show diverse feeding habits across the genus. This form is an omnivore that takes quality prepared foods and frozen invertebrates. Small portions twice daily are appropriate.
Compatibility
The fish is semi-aggressive and is best kept with other Lake Victoria-region haplochromines and Synodontis catfish. To avoid hybridisation and conflict, other red Victorian forms are best not mixed with it. Lake Malawi mbuna, Tropheus and soft-water dwarf cichlids should be avoided.
Breeding
As a Haplochromis, this form is a maternal mouthbrooder. The female incubates the fertilised eggs and fry in the mouth. Breeding is reliable with a male and a group of females.