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Datasheet
| Minimum Tank Size | 180 litres / 47.55 US gallons |
| Maximum Size | 11.0cm / 4.33inches |
| Temperature | 22°C / 71.60°F - 26°C / 78.80°F |
| Hardness | 10.03dgH / 179ppm - 25.04dgH / 447ppm |
| pH | 7.4-9.0 |
General Description: Aulonocara Ethelwynnae, commonly known as Northern Aulonocara, is a species of cichlid fish belonging to the Perciformes order. It is distinguished by chocolate-brown striping on mature male specimens and has specific meristic counts that differentiate it from other species.
Aquarium Setup: To set up an aquarium for Aulonocara Ethelwynnae, it is recommended to include rockwork piles with open spaces between them and fine sand substrate to allow for natural feeding behavior. Avoid coarse substrates that may inhibit feeding. Water quality is crucial, so over-filtering the tank and performing regular 30-50% water changes are essential. Plants like Vallisneria, Anubias, or Sagittaria can be added as they do not harm the fish.
Behaviour: Aulonocara Ethelwynnae is generally peaceful, but males can exhibit aggression towards fish with similar color patterns. It is advised to keep just one male with 4-6 females in smaller aquaria to mitigate aggression levels. Careful selection of tankmates, avoiding Aulonocara hybrids and boisterous Mbuna, is important for a harmonious tank environment.
Feeding and Diet: Aulonocara species are benthophagous, feeding by sifting through substrate for food. They require a varied diet of high-quality prepared foods, live or frozen larvae, and vegetable-rich dried products. Homemade gelatine-bound recipes can also be provided in small portions multiple times a day to support their natural browsing behavior and overall health.
Reproduction & Dimorphism: Aulonocara Ethelwynnae is a maternal mouthbrooder, with females carrying eggs in their mouths for up to 4 weeks before releasing free-swimming fry. Males display courtship behavior to attract females for spawning. Male fish are more colorful and larger than females, exhibiting distinct body coloration and fin patterns during courtship and mating.
Habitat and Distribution: Endemic to Lake Malawi, Aulonocara Ethelwynnae is only found around Chitande Island and stretches of the northwestern shoreline between Ngara and Chilumba. They inhabit intermediate zones of the lake with rocky shores transitioning to sandy bottoms with scattered rocks. Females and immature males group in shallow waters, while mature males establish territories in deeper regions of the lake.