Neochromis nigricans Care Guide
Neochromis nigricans is an algae-grazing haplochromine cichlid endemic to Lake Victoria, reaching about 9 cm.
Overview
Neochromis nigricans is a haplochromine cichlid endemic to Lake Victoria, described by Boulenger in 1906. It is an algae-grazing species; in current taxonomy FishBase treats it under the accepted name Haplochromis nigricans, with Neochromis nigricans as a synonym.
Taxonomy
- Family: Cichlidae
- Genus: Neochromis
- Scientific name: Neochromis nigricans
- Accepted name (FishBase): Haplochromis nigricans (Boulenger, 1906)
Habitat
The species is endemic to Lake Victoria and the Victoria Nile in East Africa. It inhabits shallow rocky areas in the littoral zone and grazes algae from rock surfaces.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 250 L
- Temperature: 24-28 °C (75-82 °F)
- pH: 7.5-8.5
- GH: 10-20 °dGH
- Lifespan: 5-8 years
- Substrate: sand with rockwork
Diet
The species is a specialist herbivore that grazes algae from rock surfaces. In the aquarium it requires algae growth or a vegetable-based diet; a protein-rich diet is unsuitable.
Compatibility
It is a semi-aggressive, territorial cichlid. It is best kept with other Lake Victoria haplochromines, Astatotilapia and rift-lake catfishes such as Synodontis. Mbuna, Tropheus, and soft-water dwarf cichlids such as Apistogramma should be avoided.
Breeding
It is a maternal mouthbrooder; the female incubates the eggs and fry in her mouth.
Conservation status
Under the accepted name Haplochromis nigricans, the IUCN Red List lists the species as Data Deficient (assessed 2010), indicating insufficient information to determine its threat level.