Zebra Obliquidens

Geographic Origin and Biotope: Endemic exclusively to the Lake Kyoga basin and Lake Nawampasa (satellite system of Lake Victoria, Uganda). Inhabits muddy waters rich in hygrophilous vegetation along the banks, extricating itself between papyrus plants and reed beds.

Taxonomy and Morphology: Zebra Obliquidens (often erroneously sold as Astatotilapia latifasciata or confused with H. obliquidens). Lake Victoria cichlid (Victorian) compact and incredibly corpulent for its size. Grows up to 11-13 cm (4.5-5 inches).

Social Behavior: Lively and turbulent, but is considered among the most "peaceful" Victorian cichlids. To be kept in tight harems (1 male to 4-5 females) to dilute the heavy sexual harassment of the male in perpetual reproductive estrus.

Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: Chromatically stunning males: gold/yellow background, with lower half scarlet red or intense crimson, broken by 5-6 broad vertical black bands. The anal fin bears bright yellow false egg-spots. Very plain females, golden beige with black bands.

Aquarium Setup: Aquarium of at least 120 cm (4 feet / 250 liters). Unlike Malawi cichlids (only rock), Haplochromis love visual barriers made of large leathery plants (Anubias, Vallisneria), intricate woods and areas of open sand. Bright lighting to enhance the red.

Diet and Feeding: Insectivorous and extremely voracious omnivore. In nature it removes insects from leaves and small snails. Accepts any high quality commercial dry food (spirulina and astaxanthin). Supplement with frozen bloodworms and shrimp, but do not overdo the proteins to avoid obesity.

Water Quality: Hard and alkaline water of the Great Rift Valley lakes: pH 7.5-8.5, GH 10-20, temperature 24-28°C (75-82°F). Produces a heavy organic load, requiring frequent partial water changes (at least 30% weekly) and impeccable mechanical filtration.

Compatibility and Tankmates: NEVER mix with similar species of Haplochromis to avoid catastrophic hybridizations and loss of genetic purity. Compatible with Synodontis, large Rainbowfish or docile Mbuna (Labidochromis caeruleus). Will devastate small or slow fish.

Aquarium Reproduction: Prolific and unstoppable maternal Mouthbrooders. The male performs a frantic "T" dance; the female gathers the eggs in her mouth and tries to bite the false ocelli on the male's anal fin, being fertilized. She will release autonomous fry after 18 days.

Risks and Diseases: Endangered fish in nature due to the introduction of the Nile Perch (Lates niloticus) into its habitat and environmental degradation (Critically Endangered). In the aquarium it is indestructible, except for wasting from "Malawi bloat" if overfed with warm proteins (e.g. beef heart).