尼氏褶唇丽鱼

Overview

Small size does not make Pseudocrenilabrus nicholsi a mild community fish. This uncommon mouthbrooder is pugnacious, particularly toward rival males, and some males develop striking extensions to the pelvic fins.

Distribution & habitat

It occurs in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, using ponds, creeks, and drainage ditches. Banks and stands of aquatic plant stems provide favored cover.

Aquarium setup

Provide at least about 90 cm of length with many shelters made from pots, roots, and wood. Plants add useful cover. A sand or fine-gravel bed allows the male to excavate a spawning pit.

Diet & feeding

Use quality cichlid pellets as a staple, with frequent live and frozen supplements for variety.

Behaviour & compatibility

Lower-water companions may face aggression; other dwarf cichlids, catfishes, and loaches require more room. Suitable larger tetras, rainbowfishes, or surface-oriented fishes can use different space. Keep one male with several females. In a multi-male group, the dominant male may monopolize reproduction unless the tank is very large.

Sexual dimorphism

Males are slightly larger and considerably more colorful than females.

Breeding

One male with three or four females can breed around 24 °C and pH 7; a juvenile group is another starting point. The male defends a pit and may harass unreceptive females. Eggs are collected by the female, with fertilization occurring near the male’s vent or sometimes before collection. The orange anal spot is not clearly established as a functional egg mimic. Brooding females may need separation if pursuit continues. Release follows roughly ten days of incubation, and fry accept small live or powdered foods.