Pelvicachromis taeniatus "Bandewouri" Care Guide
A Cameroonian local form within the Pelvicachromis taeniatus complex; a soft-water cave-spawning dwarf cichlid. FishBase assigns Cameroon populations to P. kribensis.
Overview
"Bandewouri" is a Cameroonian local form within the Pelvicachromis taeniatus complex, a dwarf cichlid in the family Cichlidae. Seriously Fish records the taeniatus complex from Nigeria and Cameroon in still and slow-moving forest streams and rivers that are often heavily vegetated. FishBase notes that Cameroon and Bioko populations historically labelled P. taeniatus actually refer to Pelvicachromis kribensis.
Taxonomy
- Family: Cichlidae
- Genus: Pelvicachromis
- Scientific name: Pelvicachromis taeniatus "Bandewouri"
- Note: trade local form; FishBase assigns Cameroonian populations to Pelvicachromis kribensis
Habitat
According to Seriously Fish, fish of this complex inhabit still and slow-moving forest streams and rivers, often heavily vegetated. These are soft, acidic coastal lowland waters of West Africa.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 80 L
- Temperature: 24-28 °C (Aquairi KB); Seriously Fish 22-26 °C
- pH: 6.0-7.0 (Aquairi KB); Seriously Fish 5.0-7.5
- GH: 2-12 °dGH (Aquairi KB); Seriously Fish 5-12 °H
- Maximum size: males to about 8 cm, females to about 6 cm (Seriously Fish, P. taeniatus)
- Lifespan: 4-6 years
- Water flow: low
Diet
An omnivore. Seriously Fish recommends that live and frozen foods form the bulk of the diet, supplemented with prepared foods.
Compatibility
Generally shy but territorial when breeding. Seriously Fish lists suitable companions including small characins, barbs, danios, rasboras, Corydoras and Loricariids, given adequate space. Different P. taeniatus local forms should not be cross-bred so that line purity is maintained.
Breeding
A monogamous cave spawner. Per Seriously Fish, eggs hatch in about two to three days and the fry become free-swimming after seven to eight days, with both parents guarding the brood.