Aulonocara Jacobfreibergi

Datasheet

General Description

The Malawi Butterfly, scientifically known as Aulonocara Jacobfreibergi, is a popular cichlid species endemic to Lake Malawi. It is distinguished by its broad, pale distal fins, a deeply-forked caudal fin, and a larger adult size than many other members of the genus.

Aquarium Setup

When setting up an aquarium for the Malawi Butterfly, it is recommended to arrange rockwork piles with open spaces in between. Fine sand substrate is ideal to mimic its natural feeding behavior. Avoid using coarse substrates like gravel to prevent feeding issues and potential harm. It is also safe to add hard water-tolerant plants such as Vallisneria or Anubias. Quality water conditions are crucial, requiring over-filtering with canister filters and regular water changes.

Behaviour

The Malawi Butterfly is not as peaceful as some other cichlid species, with males displaying aggression towards fish of a similar color pattern. It is advisable to keep just one male alongside several females in a tank setup to reduce aggression. This species tends to establish territories, which should be considered when selecting tankmates.

Feeding and Diet

Being benthophagous, the Malawi Butterfly sifts through substrate to find food. A varied diet of high-quality prepared foods, live or frozen larvae, and vegetable matter like Spirulina is recommended for captive specimens. Feeding small portions multiple times a day encourages natural browsing behavior and optimal growth.

Reproduction & Dimorphism

This species is a maternal mouthbrooder, typically spawning in a community tank. Females carry broods for up to four weeks before releasing fry. Males can be aggressive during breeding, requiring a ratio of one male to several females to distribute attention. Males are larger and more colorful than females in this species.

Habitat and Distribution

The Malawi Butterfly is found in the southern region of Lake Malawi, inhabiting intermediate zones with rocky shores transitioning to sandy bottoms. It prefers rocky caves and crevices for territories in some areas. Specific populations include various locations such as Cape Maclear, Mumbo Island, and Chinyamwezi Island.