Piebald Haplochromis (Haplochromis sp.) Care Guide
The Piebald Haplochromis is a Lake Victoria haplochromine cichlid kept as a conservation strain. It is a semi-aggressive maternal mouthbrooder.
Overview
The Piebald Haplochromis is a haplochromine cichlid from Lake Victoria, sold under the provisional name Haplochromis sp. "Piebald". Haplochromis is a large genus whose Lake Victoria members form a celebrated species flock; many are kept in the hobby as conservation strains because their wild populations have been devastated.
Taxonomy
- Family: Cichlidae
- Genus: Haplochromis
- Scientific name: Haplochromis sp. "Piebald"
- Note: undescribed trade form; placement within Haplochromis is provisional
Habitat
Haplochromis is centred on the East African Rift, with Lake Victoria holding a large adaptive radiation. After the Nile perch was introduced following 1954, an estimated 200 haplochromine species may have become extinct, and surviving lines now persist largely in captivity. The Piebald form belongs to this conservation effort.
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 Piebald Haplochromis is an omnivore. A varied diet of prepared, frozen and occasional vegetable foods suits most Victorian haplochromines.
Compatibility
This semi-aggressive, mid-water cichlid does best with other robust Victorian haplochromines, Astatotilapia and Synodontis catfish. It should be kept 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.