Pseudocrenilabrus Nicholsi

Datasheet

General Description

Pseudocrenilabrus Nicholsi, commonly known as Nichols' Dwarf Cichlid, is a striking but aggressive fish that is not commonly found in the aquarium trade. Male Nichols' Dwarf Cichlids may develop elongated ventral fin extensions, adding to their visual appeal. This species hails from the Democratic Republic of Congo and typically grows up to 8.5 cm in length.

Aquarium Setup

For housing Nichols' Dwarf Cichlids, a minimum tank size of 80 litres is recommended. The tank should be equipped with various hiding spots such as clay pot caves, driftwood pieces, and roots to mimic their natural habitat. While plants are optional, they provide additional cover and replicate the fish's biotope. A fine gravel or sand substrate is ideal as males tend to dig during spawning. Water conditions should ideally maintain a pH range of 6.0-8.0, hardness of 5-20 dH, and a temperature of 22-25°C.

Behaviour

Nichols' Dwarf Cichlids can exhibit aggression towards bottom-dwelling species in the aquarium. It is advisable to house them with larger tankmates such as African tetras, rainbowfish, or surface-dwelling species like hatchetfish. Intraspecific aggression is high among males, making it essential to maintain a harem situation with one male and multiple females. Multiple males in one tank may lead to territorial behavior, with only the dominant male spawning unless the aquarium is significantly large.

Feeding and Diet

These cichlids are generally omnivorous and will readily accept most food types. A balanced diet can include high-quality cichlid pellets as a staple, supplemented with live and frozen foods to ensure proper nutrition. Regular feeding schedules with a variety of food items are beneficial for their overall health.

Reproduction & Dimorphism

Breeding Nichols' Dwarf Cichlids is relatively easy, with females being maternal mouth-brooders. A breeding setup involving a tank of at least 36” in length, stable water parameters (pH around 7.0 and temperature at 75°F), and a ratio of one male to several females is recommended. During courtship, the male establishes a territory, courts females, and safeguards the brood. Male fish are visibly more colorful than females, showcasing slight differences in size and vibrant hues.

Habitat and Distribution

In their natural habitat, Nichols' Dwarf Cichlids are found in ponds, creeks, and drainage ditches near the banks or among aquatic plant stems in the Democratic Republic of Congo. Their preference for these habitats influences their behavior and breeding patterns in an aquarium setting.