Orthochromis stormsi

Overview

Adapted to flowing water, Orthochromis stormsi has a reduced swimbladder and spends much of its aquarium life on the bottom, moving in short hops. Floor area, oxygenation, and current matter more than height. Small territories can still be defended fiercely against conspecifics.

Distribution & habitat

It occurs in the Democratic Republic of Congo, occupying fast-flowing river stretches with high oxygen content.

Aquarium setup

Use sand and smooth rocks arranged into multiple caves, with wood branches if desired. Maximize usable floor area and provide fairly strong circulation through suitable pumps or filter returns, maintaining high oxygen levels. Arrange shelters so individuals can occupy separate spaces.

Diet & feeding

Most offered foods are accepted, but live and frozen foods should make up most of the menu rather than relying exclusively on dry products.

Behaviour & compatibility

It is generally peaceful toward other species that tolerate current, while other cichlids need a large aquarium. Conspecifics normally exclude one another from their territories except during spawning. A single male with several females can work where sufficient space is available.

Sexual dimorphism

Young fish are difficult to sex. Dominant adult males become much more colorful and slightly larger than females.

Breeding

This maternal mouthbrooder has been bred, but not easily. Raise juveniles if sexed adults are unavailable, then retain one male with several females and remove persecuted males promptly. Condition fish well in stable water with appropriate peaceful dither companions.

Pairs align head-to-tail on the bottom, releasing eggs and sperm in batches before the female turns to collect the eggs. A brood contains about twenty to twenty-five. The male provides no further care. Females may brood for up to four weeks without feeding, and disturbance can cause loss. Released young are large enough for Artemia nauplii, microworms, and fine powdered food.