Nanochromis transvestitus
The transvestites cichlid ( Nanochromis transvestitus ), also known as Congo - dwarf cichlid is a cichlid from western Central Africa. The Latin species name transvestitus refers to the fact that in this species the gender roles seem to be reversed, at first glance, because the females are colored much stronger than the male.
Distribution and habitat
The transvestites cichlid is native in the Congo Basin and is endemic there before in May - Ndombe Lake and the connected water system. As part of its habitat while flat, quiet riparian zones are described, the water is low in minerals and acidic with a pH value of 4.5 to 6.0. The fish is classified on the "Red List of Threatened Species " by the IUCN as " critically endangered " ( EN ). The animals feed mainly on insects and other small creatures, which they catch both at the surface and in open water as well as track in the sandy ground.
Features
The fish are like all species of the genus Nanochromis relatively small change, but the data show differences depending on the source. The males reach a body length of six to seven centimeters, females stay smaller. The basic shape is slender with elongated dorsal fin. The body is bluish gray and usually has weak dark cross bands that continue more clearly on the fins. The top of the head is dark, while the throat area and the gill cover shimmering metallic golden. The females also report in back, tail and anal fins white vertical stripes and a purple colored belly on. General coloration during courtship and parental care is significant contrast pronounced.
Reproduction
As typical for the genus, is the transvestite to cichlid monogamous cavity nesters with pronounced brood care in the form of a " father-mother family." A pair has found suitable caves are freed as part of the Balzrituales by both partners jointly by sand and debris. After 40 to 60 eggs are deposited on the walls of the cave. Then the females guard the nest, remove dead eggs and ensure by fanning with their fins for the supply of fresh water. The male defends during which the area surrounding the breeding cave area, although consideration also the larger fish are attacked. The fry hatch after 8 to 10 days and are then guided by both parents.
Aquarium maintenance
This dwarf cichlid was first imported in the late 1980s by Germany, but to this day, not least because of its demands on the housing conditions rarely found in the aquarium. The transvestites cichlid needed in the aquarium among other acidic, soft water with a pH value between 4.5 and 6.0 and a total hardness to 5 ° dH and sandy soil and a variety of coverage options. A socialization with other fish species is also complicated by the fact that the normally peaceful fish show how almost all cichlids during brood care a pronounced territorial behavior not only towards conspecifics, but also all other pelvic occupants.
Meanwhile, the transvestite cichlid among others, in Europe successfully bred in captivity, which is interpreted in terms of the threat to the existence in the original habitat as positive.