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Big-lipped Cichlid
This fish would be best described as an elongated cichlid, whose head is
proportionally large when compared to the rest of the body. The lips are
very large, as are the eyes. The body color is light gold to beige. The
belly is white. Two brown-black stripes mark the body. The first runs
from the corner of the mouth, through the eye, and extends to the fork of
the caudal fin. The second line runs from the top of the forehead, back to
the base of the caudal fin. The fins are usually light brown with some
light markings. They grow to be quite large as the males grow to 13" (33
cm), and the female to 10" (25 cm).
Their natural habitat can be found along the rocky coastline of Lake
Malawi in Eastern Africa. They prefer the bottom and middle areas of
the tank. The tank should be 45-55 gallons (170-209 L) for small fish
under 5" (13 cm) in length. Adult fish should be moved to a tank of 100
gallon (378 L) or larger. Use large, sturdy rocks structures to create
caves and crevices. Anchor the structure well-as this fish may burrow.
Large, broad-leafed plants can be used. Algae growth is welcomed.
The water parameters for this fish should be kept at 7.5-8.8 (8.2), 10-25
dH (18), and temperatures of 75-82F (24-28C) are recommended.
This fish is a large, but peaceful fish that likes to form schools. The Big-lipped Cichlid will set-up territories to defend. Combine several females
per each male. Small fish (under 3" ) are likely to be mistaken for food.
Some of the recommended tankmates include the Lake Malawi
Haplochromines, Synodontis, larger mbunas, and Polypterus.
These fish thrive on foods such as algae; live; Tubifex, crustaceans,
insect larvae; large flakes; tablets; pellets.
The male is larger with more intense colors which usually do not come
in until they are past fry stage. When breeding these cichlids, Use a large
tank with a pH from 8.0-8.5, a water hardness from 10-16 dH, and a
water temperature from 79-82¡F (26-28¡C). Keep one male with three or
four females. The female will spawn 20-60 eggs (although broods of 150
have been reported) on a rocky surface before taking them into her
mouth. The eggs are then fertilized by way of the dummy-egg method.
The young released after 20-28 days. The female continues brood care,
taking the fry into her mouth when danger approaches and at night. Start
feeding the young with Artemia, Cyclops, and powdered dry foods. The
young are sexually mature at four to five inches (10-13 cm). This fish is
considered to be a difficult fish to breed and keep due to the large size
and the space needed to keep it in.
