Exploring the garden of gondwanaland

[graye]

I've been intrigued by our recent discussions on Cichlid communities, and I thought I'd share some insights on the varying needs and behaviors of these fascinating creatures from different parts of the world.

Cichlids have been around for ages, and their adaptability has allowed them to thrive across the globe. From their origins in Africa to their spread via continental drift, saltwater crossings, human activity, and natural disasters, they've developed distinct characteristics.

The quintessential "African Cichlid" hails from the rocky reefs of Lake Malawi, with some species also found in Lake Victoria and Lake Tanganyika. The Congo's Lake Mweru is another hotspot for new species, though they're not yet popular among aquarists. Tanganyikans, while similar to other Cichlids, require hard water and are territorial, making them unsuitable for crowded tanks. However, when set up correctly, they can exhibit fascinating behaviors.

Malawis and Victorians, on the other hand, are colorful and feisty, often engaging in intense competition for resources. They're popular among new aquarists, who enjoy stocking them in large numbers in hardwater tanks.

However, when we refer to them as "Africans," we're oversimplifying the diversity of the continent. African riverine Cichlids, for instance, exhibit behaviors similar to those of South American species, requiring light stocking, defined territories, and soft water. The Congo River Cichlids, with their unique adaptations, such as reduced swim bladders, are a delight to observe. West and Central African species tend to be more aggressive, making them formidable opponents in conflicts.

Asian Cichlids are relatively rare in the hobby, while North American Cichlids, often referred to as Central Americans, are known for their hardiness and ability to thrive in crowded conditions. However, they don't mix well with species from other regions, due to their unique communication methods, which can lead to brutal fighting.

In my experience, South American Cichlids are generally the mildest group, requiring space and gentle care. While there are exceptions, they often struggle to coexist with Cichlids from other regions, particularly North/Central Americans and Africans.

It's disheartening to see the Cichlid hobby in decline, with many forgetting the hard-earned lessons of the past. As people's lifestyles change, with less space and leisure time, Cichlids are often overlooked, despite their unique characteristics and needs. In my local club, the once-thriving Cichlid community has dwindled, with only occasional auctions featuring these amazing fish. Nevertheless, it's essential to appreciate the diversity of Cichlids and recognize that they're far more complex than a single label can convey.

[Emeraldsea]

To be honest, I've always been drawn to African cichlids from Lake Victoria and Lake Tanganyika, more so than those from Lake Malawi. I find their unique characteristics and adaptations fascinating. On the other hand, I also have a soft spot for South American cichlids - there's something about their diverse range that really captivates me. It's great that everyone has their own preferences when it comes to cichlids, as it allows for a rich exchange of ideas and experiences.

I'm a big fan of nature documentaries, and I often find myself watching shows on the "Love Nature" channel. Their broadcasts on African cichlids and their habitats are both informative and soothing. There's something about immersing myself in the natural world that I find incredibly relaxing.

[sidthy]

It's intriguing how 'Kribs' have gained widespread popularity among aquarists, yet the notion that "African cichlids need hard alkaline water" persists. This generalization stems from the characteristics of a select few species from two lakes, overlooking the vast diversity of African cichlids.

Space is a crucial factor in maintaining harmony among cichlids. I recall a discussion on another forum where the question of minimum tank size for cichlids was raised. The answer lies in replicating their natural breeding territory - a spacious environment that accommodates a pair, or a significantly larger tank for a community setup that includes other species. Providing an ample tank size can render even the most aggressive cichlid species peaceful. Conversely, confining them to smaller tanks often leads to aggression, particularly when they attempt to establish their territory. While crowding can work for Malawis, such as mbuna, it's not a viable approach for most cichlid species.

[graye]

In their natural habitat, the common krib, Pelvicachromis pulcher, stakes its claim on territories spanning 3 to 9 metres square. That's quite a large area, especially considering they tolerate younger fish only at the periphery. It's no wonder they become territorial in a 15-gallon tank - it's a far cry from the expansive space they're accustomed to.

The Pelvicachromis group, along with Parananochromis, Benitochromis, and Chromidotilapia, holds a special place in my heart. I used to be deeply involved with Apistogramma, breeding and writing about them extensively. However, my discovery of a book on West/Central African species in a second-hand store sparked a lasting interest. This summer, I brought back Parananochromis brevirostris and Chromidotilapia nana from Gabon, marking my return to keeping Cichlids after a long hiatus. If I were to add more, I'd love to have the authentic P kribensis or the black variant of P sacrimontis. That being said, I'm also drawn to the intriguing fish found along the Congo rapids. The Nanochromis and Steatocranus species, in particular, are quite fascinating creatures.

[sidthy]

I've been intrigued by our recent discussions on Cichlid communities, and I thought I'd share some insights on the varying needs and behaviors of these fascinating creatures from different parts of the world.

Cichlids have been around for ages, and their adaptability has allowed them to thrive across the globe. From their origins in Africa to their spread via continental drift, saltwater crossings, human activity, and natural disasters, they've developed distinct characteristics.

The quintessential "African Cichlid" hails from the rocky reefs of Lake Malawi, with some species also found in Lake Victoria and Lake Tanganyika. The Congo's Lake Mweru is another hotspot for new species, though they're not yet popular among aquarists. Tanganyikans, while similar to other Cichlids, require hard water and are territorial, making them unsuitable for crowded tanks. However, when set up correctly, they can exhibit fascinating behaviors.

Malawis and Victorians, on the other hand, are colorful and feisty, often engaging in intense competition for resources. They're popular among new aquarists, who enjoy stocking them in large numbers in hardwater tanks.

However, when we refer to them as "Africans," we're oversimplifying the diversity of the continent. African riverine Cichlids, for instance, exhibit behaviors similar to those of South American species, requiring light stocking, defined territories, and soft water. The Congo River Cichlids, with their unique adaptations, such as reduced swim bladders, are a delight to observe. West and Central African species tend to be more aggressive, making them formidable opponents in conflicts.

Asian Cichlids are relatively rare in the hobby, while North American Cichlids, often referred to as Central Americans, are known for their hardiness and ability to thrive in crowded conditions. However, they don't mix well with species from other regions, due to their unique communication methods, which can lead to brutal fighting.

In my experience, South American Cichlids are generally the mildest group, requiring space and gentle care. While there are exceptions, they often struggle to coexist with Cichlids from other regions, particularly North/Central Americans and Africans.

It's disheartening to see the Cichlid hobby in decline, with many forgetting the hard-earned lessons of the past. As people's lifestyles change, with less space and leisure time, Cichlids are often overlooked, despite their unique characteristics and needs. In my local club, the once-thriving Cichlid community has dwindled, with only occasional auctions featuring these amazing fish. Nevertheless, it's essential to appreciate the diversity of Cichlids and recognize that they're far more complex than a single label can convey.

That territory size is quite staggering, isn't it? 9 square meters - I'm assuming that's the actual area, not a 9x9 meter space, but either way, it's enormous. I mean, think about it - a 10x10 foot tank, all to themselves, and that's still a relatively modest territory for some of these fish. The larger cichlids would likely thrive in such a space.

It's interesting to note that territory size doesn't always correlate with the size of the fish. Take Hemichromis, for instance - those 5-spot cichlids, often referred to as "pocket battleships" due to their feisty nature. They've been known to defend a 50-yard stretch of riverbank. No wonder they're notoriously difficult to keep with other cichlids; they're fiercely territorial, and that's just their nature.

[graye]

The krib's territory size was indeed reported as 9 square meters, not 9x9. This measurement was taken against their own species in a natural setting, specifically over an open sandy bottom. I recall reading about this in a collecting report, which provided valuable insight into the behavior of these fish.

During my time in Gabon, I witnessed a traditional fishing technique being used in a narrow, shallow blackwater creek. A group of women and young boys had created a makeshift dam, approximately 10 meters long, at the creek's shallow ends. They carefully scooped out the water, inspecting their baskets as they went and removing the fish. The creek's bottom was comprised of mud and tree debris, making for labor-intensive and filthy work.

Their catch included Mormyrids, barbs, and a half-dozen Parananochromis gabonicus, which unfortunately did not survive. They also kept the tiny Aphyosemion cameronense for consumption. Notably, this stretch of creek yielded relatively few dwarf Cichlids. Further downstream, in a wider and deeper area, we managed to catch 5 or 6 gabonicus with a couple of hours' effort. I was fortunate enough to collect Enteromius jae and Aphyosemion cameronense from this spot.

After they finished, the group undammed the stream, revealing it to be a harvest spot. Throughout our exploration, I found that Cichlids were not as easily visible as they were in other locations, such as Belize or Mexico. In those places, I could spot Cichlids in numbers with minimal effort. In contrast, Gabon's Cichlids required more time and effort to locate. We collected and released many barbs, catfish, and lampeyes, but Cichlids proved to be more elusive. Even with a seine, it could take hours to catch just a few.

[sidthy]

Tilapiines, especially the larger ones, are a force to be reckoned with. They're intelligent fish that seem to have their own way of doing things, much like the Central Americans. In a community tank, they'll bide their time, waiting for the perfect moment to strike. Once they've grown big enough, they'll take out their cichlid tankmates with calculated precision.