Transvestitus Dwarf (Nanochromis transvestitus) Care Guide
Nanochromis transvestitus is a tiny Congo dwarf cichlid with reverse sexual dichromatism, endemic to Lake Mai-Ndombe and requiring very soft, acidic water.
Compiled by Aquairi from published sources · Published · Updated
Overview
Nanochromis transvestitus is a small dwarf cichlid notable for reverse sexual dichromatism: unusually for cichlids, the female is the more colourful sex. Females display bold black-and-white banding on the anal and caudal fins and a bright red abdomen, while males are largely greyish. The species name refers to this reversal of the usual cichlid colour pattern.
Taxonomy
- Family: Cichlidae
- Genus: Nanochromis
- Scientific name: Nanochromis transvestitus
Habitat
According to FishBase and Wikipedia, the species is endemic to Lake Mai-Ndombe (formerly Lake Leopold II) in the middle Congo River basin of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It is a demersal freshwater fish recorded at around 1 m depth and feeds on small benthic invertebrates. The lake water is naturally very soft and acidic.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 80 L
- Temperature: 24-28 °C (75-82 °F)
- pH: 4.5-6.5 (FishBase records 5.0-6.0)
- GH: 2-5 °dGH
- Lifespan: 4-6 years
Diet
The species is an omnivore that feeds on small benthic invertebrates in the wild. In the aquarium it accepts small frozen and live foods together with quality prepared foods, fed twice daily.
Compatibility
This is a peaceful, bottom-dwelling dwarf cichlid that pairs best with small, very peaceful soft-water companions such as small Congo tetras. It should be kept away from Rift Lake mbuna, hard-water cichlids and larger boisterous fish that would outcompete it.
Breeding
Nanochromis transvestitus is a pair-bonding cave spawner. Breeding requires the very soft, acidic conditions of its native lake, which makes it an advanced project.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Endangered (assessed 16 February 2009). Wikipedia notes the species is particularly threatened by mosquito netting used for fishing on Lake Mai-Ndombe.
Nanochromis transvestitus Breeding Guide
Overview
Nanochromis transvestitus is a tiny dwarf cichlid endemic to Lake Mai-Ndombe (Lake Leopold II) in the middle Congo basin of the Democratic Republic of the Congo, where it lives at around 1 m depth. FishBase records a maximum standard length of just 3.4 cm and lists it as a cave spawner. The lake is exceptionally soft and acidic, and the species is classed as Endangered on the IUCN Red List.
Sexing
This species shows reversed sexual dichromatism: the female is the more colourful sex, with vertical black-and-white banding on the anal and caudal fins and a bright red abdomen, while the male is greyish. Males do, however, have longer anal and caudal fins. The female's bold colours are the clearest sexing cue.
Conditioning
The species feeds on small benthic invertebrates, so conditioning centres on small live and frozen foods. Holding the pair in the very soft, acidic water it requires is essential to bring fish into spawning condition.
Breeding Setup
FishBase lists highly acidic conditions of pH 5.0-6.0 with hardness of 5-12 dH and a temperature of 24-26 C, reflecting the blackwater chemistry of Lake Mai-Ndombe. Provide caves for spawning; the very soft, acidic water is the most demanding aspect of the setup and the reason the species is considered advanced.
Spawning Behavior & Trigger
The fish are cave spawners that, according to Wikipedia, also make a nest in the substrate for the eggs. Pairs exhibit biparental care. Very soft, acidic blackwater conditions are the principal trigger for spawning in this specialised species.
Egg & Fry Care
The species shows the biparental care typical of cave-spawning dwarf cichlids, with the pair guarding the eggs and resulting fry. Detailed egg counts and fry timings are not given in the consulted sources and are therefore omitted.
Common Challenges
Maintaining the very soft, highly acidic water of Lake Mai-Ndombe is the central challenge and the reason this dwarf cichlid is regarded as an advanced subject. Because the species is Endangered in the wild, captive breeding has conservation value, but only stable blackwater chemistry will reliably bring pairs into condition.