Kyoga Flameback (Haplochromis sp.) Care Guide
The Kyoga Flameback is a haplochromine cichlid from the Lake Victoria basin (Lake Kyoga). It is a robust maternal mouthbrooder kept as a conservation strain.
Overview
The Kyoga Flameback is a haplochromine cichlid traded as Haplochromis sp. "Kyoga Flameback" from Lake Kyoga, part of the wider Lake Victoria basin. Haplochromis is a large genus of East African haplochromines, many belonging to the threatened Victoria-region flock now maintained partly in the hobby.
Taxonomy
- Family: Cichlidae
- Genus: Haplochromis
- Scientific name: Haplochromis sp. "Kyoga Flameback"
- Note: undescribed trade form; placement within Haplochromis is provisional
Habitat
Haplochromis is centred on the East African Rift lakes, including Lake Victoria and connected systems such as Lake Kyoga. The Victoria-basin haplochromines form a large adaptive radiation; following the Nile perch introduction after 1954, an estimated 200 species may have become extinct, and many lines survive mainly in aquaria.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 250 L
- Temperature: 24-28 °C (75-82 °F)
- pH: 7.5-8.5
- GH: 10-20 °dGH
- Substrate: sand
- Lifespan: 5-8 years
Diet
The Kyoga Flameback is an omnivore. A varied diet of prepared, frozen and occasional vegetable foods suits most Victorian haplochromines.
Compatibility
This semi-aggressive, mid-water cichlid is best kept with other robust Victorian haplochromines, Astatotilapia and Synodontis catfish, away from Lake Malawi Mbuna, Tropheus and gentle fish such as Discus, Apistogramma and other dwarf cichlids.
Breeding
Like Haplochromis generally, it is a maternal mouthbrooder; the female carries eggs and fry in her mouth.