Haplochromis obliquidens Care Guide
Haplochromis obliquidens is a small algae-grazing cichlid of Lake Victoria and the Victoria Nile, often confused in the trade with Astatotilapia latifasciata.
Overview
Haplochromis obliquidens is a cichlid described by Hilgendorf in 1888, found in Lake Victoria and the adjacent Victoria Nile. It is a small algae- and diatom-grazing haplochromine. In the aquarium trade the name "zebra obliquidens" usually refers instead to Astatotilapia latifasciata from the Lake Kyoga system, so the true H. obliquidens is rarely available.
Taxonomy
- Family: Cichlidae
- Genus: Haplochromis
- Scientific name: Haplochromis obliquidens
- Author: Hilgendorf, 1888
- Note: trade "zebra obliquidens" is usually Astatotilapia latifasciata
Habitat
FishBase reports it from Lake Victoria and the Victoria Nile, inhabiting the shallow littoral zone, particularly near emergent vegetation. The Victoria basin is warm and alkaline.
Tank requirements
- Maximum size: about 8.9 cm (3.5 in) SL (FishBase, Wikipedia)
- Temperature: 24-26 °C (FishBase)
- pH: 7.5-8.5 (KB record, alkaline Victoria water)
- Shallow, alkaline aquascape with algae growth
- Keep one male with several females
Diet
FishBase gives it a low trophic level of about 2.0 and reports it feeds mainly on diatoms (genera such as Melosira, Surirella, Gomphonema, Rhopalodia, Navicula and Cyclotella), making it a specialised algae and diatom grazer. A vegetable-rich diet suits it in aquaria.
Compatibility
As a small Victorian haplochromine it is best kept one male with several females among other peaceful Victorian-region species; its specialised grazing habits favour tanks with natural algae.
Breeding
FishBase confirms it is a mouthbrooder, with the female incubating eggs and fry in her mouth.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Vulnerable (assessed 2010).