Tanganyika Goby Cichlid

Geographic Origin and Biotope: Endemic to Lake Tanganyika, Africa. Lives in the brutal surf zone, constantly crushed against the stones and pebbles where the waves break (up to 1 meter / 3 feet deep).

Taxonomy and Morphology: Tanganyika Clown / Goby Cichlid (Eretmodus cyanostictus). "Goby" cichlid. Atrophied swim bladder: unable to float, it "hops" on the stones holding on with its strong pelvic muscles. Spatulate mouth downwards, comb-like dentition.

Social Behavior: Intolerant of all other conspecifics; it is mandatory to keep ONLY a true pair bonded for life (which self-selects in youth). If the bond breaks or a tank is small, the dominant relentlessly hunts the partner or the submissive to death.

Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: Peculiar "clown" snout. Brown or sand-gray background, interrupted by coppery shades and spectacular turquoise and iridescent dots ("cyanostictus") along the upper half. Imperceptible dimorphism to an inexperienced eye.

Aquarium Setup: A setup for Tropheus is ideal. Piles of large rocks in 120 cm (48 inches), very strong light to favor the development of Aufwuchs (algae patina) on the stones. The water CURRENT must be powerful and turbulent.

Diet and Feeding: Strictly extreme VEGETARIAN. With its teeth it "scrapes" the algal biofilm and microorganisms from the rocks. Administer spirulina flakes and vegetable wafers. Any animal protein (even bloodworms) triggers a lethal inflammation (Bloat).

Water Quality: Rigid requirements typical of Tanganyikans (pH 8-9) and oxygen supersaturation. There must be live rocks of mosses and algae so that it finds psychological well-being, ignore clinical and empty tanks.

Compatibility and Tankmates: Ideal companion for turbulent and vegetarian tanks populated by Tropheus and Petrochromis (which swim free in the water column), provided that abundant hiding places are guaranteed in the rockfall. Excellent with rock Neolamprologus.

Aquarium Reproduction: Incredible BIPARENTAL mouthbrooding! After brooding the 10-25 eggs in her mouth for about two weeks, the female literally "spits" the larvae into the mouth of the partner who will brood them for another 10 days.

Risks and Diseases: Killing by "divorce". In case of prolonged stress (diseases, frights) the pair can break the bond; the (smaller) female ends up murdered. Very high sensitivity to intestinal stasis from wrong food (Malawi Bloat).