Chalinochromis Sp. 'Ndobhoi'

Datasheet

General Description

Chalinochromis Sp. 'Ndobhoi', although not officially recognized as a species, is commonly found in the aquarium trade. It can be distinguished by its unique body patterning of irregular dark blotches. This fish belongs to the family Cichlidae and grows up to approximately 12.0cm in length. It is a Perciforme species that thrives in captivity when provided with suitable conditions and care.

Aquarium Setup

To create an optimal environment for Chalinochromis Sp. 'Ndobhoi', a sandy substrate and complex rock structures are essential. These rock formations should occupy a significant portion of the tank space, directly placed on the tank's base to prevent displacement by the fish's digging behavior. Regular water changes of up to 50% per week are crucial to maintain high water quality. If housing multiple males or keeping them with other rock-dwelling species, dividing the tank decor to establish distinct territories is recommended.

Behaviour

These fish can be kept in a community tank, but care must be taken when choosing tankmates as mature males become territorial. In group settings, a dominance hierarchy forms, leading to occasional skirmishes. However, if a pair forms, they typically become intolerant of other group members within their territory.

Feeding and Diet

Chalinochromis Sp. 'Ndobhoi' have specialized mouthparts suited for preying on invertebrates like freshwater sponges. In captivity, they readily accept dried foods with added vegetable content but should also be offered live and frozen food such as chironomid and mosquito larvae, Daphnia, Artemia, and Mysis to ensure a balanced diet.

Reproduction & Dimorphism

These fish are biparental substrate spawners, easily bred in aquarium conditions. They exhibit monogamous behavior with a single partner but may change partners between reproductive episodes if given the opportunity. During spawning, the female tends to the eggs while the male defends the breeding territory. Sexual dimorphism is not pronounced, with males displaying a visible genital papilla absent in females.

Habitat and Distribution

Chalinochromis Sp. 'Ndobhoi' is found along the eastern shore of Lake Tanganyika in Tanzania, inhabiting rocky structures covered in biofilm along rugged shorelines. Lake Tanganyika harbors a diverse range of cichlid species that have evolved through explosive speciation, showcasing remarkable morphological, behavioral, and ecological diversity.