Champsochromis spilorhynchus

$29.99

Champsochromis spilorhynchus is an impressive and striking species of cichlid found in Lake Malawi, Africa. Please note that the fish shown in the photo is not the exact fish you will receive and is only a representative of what a specimen will look like. The color may vary based on the age and sex (if listed as unsexed) of the fish you receive.

SKU: Champsochromis spilorhynchus TR XL Categories: ,

This fish is covered by our Livestock Guarantee Policy

Description

Champsochromis spilorhynchus is an impressive and striking species of cichlid found in Lake Malawi, Africa. To ensure the well-being of these captivating fish in your aquarium, follow these summarized care guidelines:

– **Tank Size:** Provide a large tank of at least 125 gallons (473 liters) for a small group of 4-6 individuals.
– **Tank Setup:** Use fine sand as substrate and include rocky formations to mimic their natural habitat and create caves for hiding and territory.
– **Water Parameters:**
– Temperature: 74°F to 80°F (23°C to 27°C).
– pH Level: Slightly alkaline to neutral, ideally between 7.6 to 8.6.
– Water Hardness: Moderately hard to hard water, between 10 to 20 dH.
– **Filtration:** Use a powerful filter to maintain excellent water quality and prevent waste buildup.
– **Feeding:**
– C. spilorhynchus is a carnivorous predator and primarily feeds on smaller fish in the wild.
– Provide a varied diet of high-quality cichlid pellets or flakes as their staple food.
– Supplement their diet with occasional live or frozen foods like krill, fish, and other protein-rich items.
– **Tankmates:**
– C. spilorhynchus can be aggressive, especially during breeding and territorial disputes.
– Suitable tankmates include larger, robust Malawi cichlids with similar temperaments.
– Avoid keeping them with smaller or more passive fish to prevent stress and potential harm.
– **Behavior and Social Structure:**
– Maintain a small group of 4 or more individuals to distribute aggression and reduce stress on single fish.
– Males may display vibrant colors and territorial behavior during courtship and breeding.
– **Health and Disease:**
– Regularly observe their behavior and appetite to spot any signs of illness.
– Quarantine new fish before adding them to the main tank to prevent disease transmission.
– Keep the water clean and stable to promote overall health and immunity.
– **Breeding:**
– Breeding can be challenging in captivity due to their specific requirements.
– Provide ample space, appropriate hiding spots, and pristine water conditions to encourage breeding behavior.

By providing a spacious and well-maintained environment that resembles their natural habitat and attending to their specific care needs, Champsochromis spilorhynchus will thrive and exhibit their majestic colors and fascinating behaviors, making them a prized and awe-inspiring addition to your aquarium.

Additional information

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