Description
Geographic Range: Endemic to Lake Malawi in East Africa, particularly found in rocky habitats along the shoreline.
Diet:
Buccochromis spectabilis is primarily piscivorous, meaning they mainly feed on other fish in the wild.
In captivity, they should be fed a diet consisting of high-quality pellets or flakes designed for carnivorous cichlids. They can also be offered live or frozen foods such as shrimp or krill.
Average Adult Size:
Adult Buccochromis spectabilis typically reach sizes ranging from 8 to 10 inches (20 to 25 centimeters), with males often being larger and more colorful than females.
Minimum Tank Size:
A minimum tank size of 75 gallons is recommended for a single Buccochromis spectabilis.
Larger tanks with plenty of swimming space and hiding spots are preferred, especially for keeping multiple specimens or for providing territories.
Temperament:
Buccochromis spectabilis is aggressive and territorial, especially towards conspecifics and smaller tankmates.
They are best kept with other large, aggressive cichlids in a species-only tank or in a large Lake Malawi biotope setup with ample hiding spots and territories.
Recommended Water Parameters:
pH: 7.5-8.5
Temperature: 76-82°F (24-28°C)
Hardness: Lake Malawi cichlids prefer hard water with a dH range of 10-20.
Ammonia: Should be maintained at zero ppm (parts per million).
Nitrite: Should be maintained at zero ppm.
Nitrate: Keep nitrate levels below 20 ppm through regular water changes and efficient filtration.
Due to their aggressive nature, careful consideration should be given to tankmates and tank setup to ensure a harmonious aquarium environment.