Diagramma Simochromis (Simochromis diagramma) Care Guide
Simochromis diagramma is a cichlid endemic to Lake Tanganyika. This guide covers its tank requirements, diet, behaviour and breeding.
Compiled by Aquairi from published sources · Published · Updated
Overview
Simochromis diagramma is a cichlid (family Cichlidae) endemic to Lake Tanganyika in East Africa. FishBase gives a maximum of 19.5 cm total length. It is a herbivore that grazes the algal film on rocks.
Taxonomy
- Family: Cichlidae
- Scientific name: Simochromis diagramma
- Described by: Günther, 1893
It is the largest member of the genus Simochromis. Historical synonyms include Chromis diagramma and Tilapia adolfi.
Habitat
Endemic to Lake Tanganyika, it favours murky water over rock-rubble substrates, usually shallower than 5 m and never deeper than about 10 m. It also occurs at the Lukuga River outflow.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 350 L (92 gal)
- Adult size: 14-17 cm
- Temperature: 24-27 °C (75-81 °F)
- pH: 8.5-9.2 (hard, alkaline rift-lake water)
- GH: 12-25 °dGH
- Recommended group size: 5+ individuals
- Lifespan: 8-12 years
Diet
It is a herbivore that grazes the algal film on rocks.
Compatibility
Simochromis diagramma is a aggressive species that occupies the middle water layer. In a dedicated Lake Tanganyika community it is typically kept with Tropheus, Cyphotilapia, Cyprichromis. Avoid combining it with Mbuna, Small fish.
Breeding
Females are maternal mouthbrooders, carrying eggs and larvae in the mouth; brooding females measure roughly 6-9 cm.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Least Concern (assessed 2006).
Simochromis diagramma Breeding Guide
Overview
Simochromis diagramma is an algae-grazing cichlid endemic to Lake Tanganyika and is the largest species in its genus, reaching about 19.5 cm TL. It prefers murky waters with rock-rubble substrates, usually shallower than 5 metres (16 ft) and never deeper than about 10 metres (33 ft). The species is listed as Least Concern by the IUCN and is also found in the aquarium trade. It is a maternal mouthbrooder in which the female broods the eggs and larvae in her mouth; reported brooding females measure roughly 6.0 to 9.0 cm SL and incubate larvae up to about 1.56 cm.
Conditioning
The species follows a vegetarian diet, with FishBase placing it at a low trophic level of 2.0. Conditioning should therefore centre on a high-vegetable, algae-based diet rather than rich protein foods, mirroring its natural grazing ecology and reducing digestive problems common in herbivorous Tanganyikan cichlids.
Breeding Setup
This is an aggressive species, so colony husbandry with multiple females and ample broken-up rock structure is advisable to diffuse male aggression. Hard, alkaline Tanganyikan water suits it; FishBase cites a temperature from around 25 degrees C upward for the species' range. Sand substrate and rocky cover replicate the shallow rubble zone it inhabits.
Spawning Behavior & Trigger
As a maternal mouthbrooder, the female takes the fertilised eggs into her mouth after spawning and incubates both eggs and larvae there. Spawning typically occurs in the shallow rocky zone the species favours, with the female carrying the developing brood while remaining able to forage and shelter.
Egg & Fry Care
The female mouthbroods the larvae until they reach a total length of roughly 1.56 cm, after which the free-swimming young are released. A holding female may be separated to protect the brood and allow undisturbed release. Released fry can be offered finely crushed vegetable-based foods and small live or frozen items suited to their size.
Common Challenges
Aggression is the principal difficulty: a single male can severely harass females and rivals, so a colony with plenty of cover is preferred over a single pair. A protein-heavy diet is inappropriate for this herbivore and can cause digestive issues. Holding females may abort a brood under stress.