Description
**Maximum Size:** Chindongo flavus can grow up to approximately 4 inches (10 cm) in length.
**Tank Size:** Provide a tank of at least 30 gallons (113 liters) for a small group of 4-6 individuals.
**Tank Setup:**
– Use fine sand as substrate to mimic their natural habitat.
– Include rocky formations and caves to create hiding spots and territories.
**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:** Utilize a good quality filter to maintain water quality and prevent waste buildup.
**Feeding:**
– Chindongo flavus is primarily herbivorous, feeding on algae and plant matter in the wild.
– Provide a high-quality, vegetable-based diet with cichlid pellets or flakes as their staple food.
– Supplement their diet with occasional live or frozen foods like brine shrimp or daphnia for variety.
**Tankmates:**
– Chindongo flavus is relatively peaceful compared to other Mbuna cichlids.
– Can be kept in a community tank with other peaceful Malawi cichlids with similar temperaments.
– Avoid keeping them with aggressive or territorial fish to prevent stress and aggression.
**Behavior and Social Structure:**
– Keep a small group of 4 or more individuals to disperse aggression and reduce stress on single fish.
– Males may display vibrant colors during breeding but are generally not overly aggressive.
**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.
– Provide a balanced diet and clean water to support their overall health and immunity.
**Breeding:**
– Breeding Chindongo flavus can be achieved with the right conditions.
– Provide rocky caves or crevices for females to lay eggs and seek refuge.
– Maintain stable water conditions and ample hiding spots to encourage successful breeding.
By creating a suitable environment with rocks and offering a balanced diet, Chindongo flavus will thrive and showcase their beautiful yellow coloration and peaceful behavior. As they reach a maximum size of approximately 4 inches (10 cm), a moderately sized aquarium is sufficient, but it’s essential to maintain proper water quality and monitor their behavior to ensure their well-being in the aquarium.