Hongi Cichlid (Kimpuma)
Labidochromis sp. "Hongi"
Splendid dwarf 'Mbuna' cichlid of Malawi (10 cm). Impetuous algae scraper (Aufwuchs) with an unmistakable profile: bright lavender-lilac body topped by a brilliant yellow/orange flame on the head and dorsal fin.
Température de l’eau
23 - 28 °C
Valeur du pH
7.5 - 8.5
Type d'eau
Eau douce
Niveau dans le bac
Fond et milieu
Taille adulte
11 cm
Volume minimal du bac
>= 100 L
Groupe minimal
>= 1
GH
10 - 25 dGH
KH
5 - 12 dKH
TDS
200 - 495 ppm
Conductivité
313 - 773 uS/cm
Description de l'espèce
Geographical Origin and Habitat: Lake Malawi (Coasts of Hongi Island). Endemic cichlid, stationed in sediment-poor waters in coastal rocky bands at depths not exceeding 10 meters (32 feet).
Taxonomy and Morphology: Hongi Red Top (Labidochromis hongi). Same build as cousin Caeruleus but with a totally opposite reputation (it is an algae eater, not an insectivore). Narrow tweezer mouth.
Social Behavior: A terrorist. Totally different from the peaceful Yellow Lab, the Hongi is a ruthlessly territorial Mbuna, bordering on sociopathy. It will claim large portions of artificial reef exhausting submissive males.
Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: Lavender/light blue background with sharp vertical black bands. The head (Blaze) and the majestic dorsal fin take on a bright orange or red coloration ("Red Top"). Brownish-gray females and subdominants.
Soins, reproduction et cohabitation
Aquarium Setup: Given the aggressiveness, long tanks are recommended (min. 120 cm / 48 inches). Chaotic rocky structures that create numerous blind hiding places, so as to remove the line of sight from the males to weak conspecifics.
Diet and Feeding: Unlike the Caeruleus, it is strictly herbivorous. Plant food base (Spirulina pellets or flakes, boiled vegetables). An excessively proteinaceous diet will quickly lead to intestinal occlusions (Malawi Bloat).
Water Quality: Typical African conditions: alkaline and hard. Use large capacity filters and wavemakers. Surface recirculation is optimal to dissolve oxygen. Weekly changes are a must to limit territorial stress.
Compatibility and Cohabitation: Pair it only with Mbuna of similar build but that withstand the impact well (Cynotilapia or robust Metriaclima). Cohabitation with Caeruleus or with quiet cichlids (Aulonocara) which would be annihilated is absolutely not recommended.
Aquarium Breeding: Harem 1M/4F (Mandatory to dilute his fatal ardor). Reproduction via maternal mouthbrooding of about 20-30 days. The female must be carefully fed after release as the male will immediately resume molesting her.
Risks and Diseases: SR Variation ("Super Red"). European strains hybridized to maximize red (Often renamed "Kimpuma") are widespread. These are inbred variants prone to scoliosis and swimming defects or genetic blindness.
Origine et répartition géographiques
Lake Malawi (Coasts of Hongi Island). Endemic cichlid, stationed in sediment-poor waters in coastal rocky bands at depths not exceeding 10 meters (32 feet).
Origine
Océans tropicaux et récifsAfrique et Madagascar
Profil de poisson
- Tempérament
- Semi-aggressive
- They are highly territorial and possess a classic, aggressive Mbuna temperament. Males are particularly aggressive and will constantly defend their territory and chase females. Lots of rockwork is required to break lines of sight and manage aggression.
- Régime alimentaire
- Omnivore
- They are predominantly herbivorous, grazing on algae and biofilm in the wild. Their aquarium diet must be centered around high-quality spirulina and vegetable-based flakes or pellets. Occasional treats of daphnia or brine shrimp are fine, but avoid heavy protein to prevent bloat.
- Espérance de vie
- 5-10 years
- Taille adulte
- 11 cm
- Ratio des sexes
- Harem
- They must be kept in a harem ratio of one male to three or four females. Males are exceptionally aggressive towards females when looking to breed. Keeping multiple males requires a very large aquarium to prevent fatal fights.
- Fréquence d'alimentation
- Twice daily
- Feed them small amounts two or three times a day to mimic natural grazing. Avoid feeding large, single meals. They are voracious eaters, so taking care not to overfeed is critical.
- Charge biologique
- Medium
- This Mbuna produces a moderate to heavy bioload. Robust biological and mechanical filtration is absolutely necessary to handle their waste. Strict weekly water changes are vital for keeping nitrate levels pristine.
- Courant
- Stagnant
- They enjoy a moderate to strong water flow, replicating the turbulent rocky coasts of Lake Malawi. Excellent oxygenation via surface agitation is required. Powerheads are often recommended in their setups.
- Risque de saut
- Yes
- They are highly active and prone to jumping, especially during territorial disputes. A heavy-duty, tight-fitting lid is an absolute must. Ensure all openings in the canopy are completely sealed.
- Reproduction
- Oviparous
- They are maternal mouthbrooders that breed readily in captivity. The female will carry the eggs and fry in her mouth for up to a month. Providing plenty of small rocky crevices allows the fry a chance to survive once released.
- Compatibilité et compagnons
- Semi-aggressive
- They are aggressive and should only be housed with other similarly robust Mbuna species. They are not suitable for general community tanks and will kill peaceful fish. Controlled overstocking can be utilized to spread out territorial aggression.
- Niveau dans le bac
- Middle/Bottom
- They are primarily rock-dwellers that occupy the bottom and middle levels of the tank. They rarely venture into open water, preferring the safety of complex rocky labyrinths. Building rock piles up to the water surface encourages them to use the whole tank.
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