Labidochromis flavigulis

Labidochromis flavigulis

Labidochromis flavigulis was first described by Lewis in 1982. A commonly used English name for this fish is “Chisumulu Pearl.” This fish belongs to the Cichlidae family, commonly known as cichlids.

The genus name Labidochromis is derived from Greek. The word ‘labido-‘ means ‘pliers’, referring to the protruding front teeth of L. vellicans, which form a pliers-like mouth used to pick insects and ostracods from algae mats. ‘Chromis’ is a name that dates back to Aristotle, possibly derived from chroemo (to incline), and originally referred to a drumfish (Sciaenidae) because of its ability to make sound. Later, this term was extended to cichlids, damselfish, dwarf emperors, and wrasse (all perch-like fish that were once considered related), and is often used in the names of African cichlid genera, following Chromis (now Oreochromis) mossambicus Peters 1852.

The species name flavigulis is derived from Latin: ‘flavus’ means ‘yellow’ and ‘gulis’ refers to the throat region (gular). This refers to the yellow throat region and gill membranes of adult males in life, which are less intense in females and immature males.

Description

Labidochromis flavigulis is a relatively small Mbuna, a type of rock-dwelling cichlid from Lake Malawi. This fish has an elongated body and reaches an average length of about 9 centimeters. The basic color is gray-brown with an attractive bluish sheen. Horizontal light orange stripes are visible on the flanks, as well as vertical slightly darker stripes. The throats of adult males are yellow, the color from which they derive their species name.

Differences between males and females

In their natural habitat in Lake Malawi, males grow to about 8 centimeters in length. In an aquarium, with good nutrition, males can grow slightly larger, reaching a length of about 10 centimeters. Females usually remain slightly smaller.

Behavior and Temperament

Labidochromis flavigulis is a territorial fish that defends its burrow or shelter with great dedication. This species can be very intolerant towards male conspecifics, which means that they can react aggressively towards other males of the same species. However, they are generally tolerant of other fish species and leave them alone. They are considered to be only slightly aggressive in a mixed aquarium. These fish mainly stay in the lower layers of the aquarium. It is also important to know that they are sensitive to deterioration in water quality.

Biotope

Labidochromis flavigulis is endemic, which means that it is found exclusively in Lake Malawi in Africa. Specifically, this species is found around the islands of Likoma and Chisumulu, located in the eastern central part of Lake Malawi. Machili Island is also mentioned as a location where it can be found.

This fish lives in freshwater and is a benthopelagic species, which means that it lives both in the water column and near the bottom.

Description of the Natural Habitat

Labidochromis flavigulis occurs above rocky substrate. They mainly move around in the transition zone of the lake, which is an area where rocky structures transition into sandy or muddy bottoms. This means that they are not strictly bound to the pure rock zone. The depth at which they live varies from 1 to 6 meters.

Climate

Labidochromis flavigulis lives in a tropical climate. The water temperature in their natural habitat is usually between 24°C and 26°C. The pH value of the water varies between 7.5 and 8.3.

Diet

Food in the wild

In their natural habitat in Lake Malawi, Labidochromis flavigulis are classified as a ‘limnivorous’ Mbuna species. This means that they feed on ‘aufwuchs’, a layer of algae and microorganisms that grows on rocks. They pick off this aufwuchs, thereby also ingesting the microorganisms and small invertebrates, such as insects and ostracods, that live in it.

Food in the aquarium

In the aquarium, Labidochromis flavigulis are easy feeders. They accept all common commercial foods available for Malawi cichlids. It is important to provide a varied diet that mimics their natural nutritional needs, with a focus on plant material supplemented with animal proteins.

The Aquarium

An aquarium with a minimum length of 120 centimeters is recommended for keeping Labidochromis flavigulis. However, since this species can be territorial and it is recommended to keep them in a group with more females than males (for example, 1 male with 3-4 females, or even 3 males with 7 females), a larger aquarium of approximately 150 centimeters and 400 liters or more is more suitable for group housing. This provides sufficient space and helps reduce aggression between males.

Aquarium setup

The aquarium setup should mimic the natural habitat of Labidochromis flavigulis. This means an aquarium with lots of rocks and a fine sand substrate. It is important to create lots of rocky structures, including tall rock formations and plenty of caves and hiding places. Each male must be able to mark out his own territory, which is important given their territorial behavior. The natural habitat consists of transition zones from rocks to sand, so a combination of both is ideal.

Suitable water parameters

Labidochromis flavigulis thrives best in water conditions similar to those found in Lake Malawi:

• Temperature: Between 22°C and 26°C.
• pH: A pH between 7.5 and 8.5 is ideal.
• These fish are sensitive to deterioration in water quality, so regular water changes and good filtration are necessary.

Suitable and unsuitable tankmates

Labidochromis flavigulis is a relatively small Mbuna species. They can coexist well with other Mbuna that are not too large. Although they can be intolerant towards male conspecifics and fiercely defend their territory, they are generally tolerant towards other fish species. It is important to avoid more robust or much larger Mbuna species, as the Labidochromis flavigulis could suffer due to its smaller size.

Breeding aquarium and conditioning

Common or dedicated breeding aquarium

Labidochromis flavigulis is a maternal mouthbrooder, which means that the female carries the eggs and later the young fish in her mouth. During the courtship phase (mating season), this species can be very territorial and radically defend its chosen hiding place against other cichlids. Males can also be aggressive towards each other within their own species.

A special breeding aquarium is not required for this species. Due to their territorial and aggressive behavior during courtship, it is advisable to provide sufficient space and hiding places. We recommend an aquarium of at least 300 liters with a length of 120 centimeters for a species tank, and for a community aquarium with other Mbunas, even 400 liters or more. This space and setup with lots of rocks and caves are important to reduce stress and promote successful breeding.

Conditioning

For successful breeding, there are no special requirements for conditioning the parent fish. Healthy adult fish usually breed naturally.

This species is best kept in a harem. This means that it is best to keep one male with at least 4-5 females. Group housing with multiple males is only possible in very large aquariums due to aggression between male conspecifics.

The Spawn

During the courtship phase, the period in which the fish prepare to spawn, males may display more intense colors to attract females. The male approaches a female and spreads his fins. He displays his flank with vibrating movements and tries to lure her to his chosen location for mating. This spawning site is dug into the sand by the male. This is a unique feature within the Labidochromis genus. Other species within this genus lay their eggs on a rock or simply on the sand.

Whilst circling each other, the female lays one or a few eggs in the sand. The pair continues to circle, during which the male fertilizes the eggs. The female picks up the eggs and takes them into her mouth. This process is repeated until all eggs have been laid and are in the female’s mouth.

Type of brood care

Labidochromis flavigulis is a maternal mouthbrooder. This means that the female takes the fertilized eggs into her mouth immediately after spawning and incubates them there. She carries the eggs and later the young fish in her mouth until they are large enough to swim independently. This is a common form of brood care among cichlids from Lake Malawi and offers the eggs and young fish protection from predators.

After laying the eggs, the male’s task is complete.

Raising the Young Fish

In maternal mouthbrooders, the female carries the eggs in her mouth until they hatch and the young fish are sufficiently developed to swim freely. The incubation period (time until hatching) and the period that the young fish remain in the mother’s mouth depend on the water temperature. On average, it takes about 21 to 28 days for Malawi cichlids to release their young for the first time. By then, the young fish are already relatively large and independent.

young fish are already relatively large and independent.
If the young fish are released into a mixed aquarium with adult fish, there is a high chance that they will be eaten by the other inhabitants, including the adult Labidochromis flavigulis themselves. To successfully raise an entire brood, it is advisable to remove the female around day 16 or 17 of the incubation period and place her in a special breeding aquarium. Here she can release the young in peace. After releasing the young, the female will usually not eat them for the first few hours. You can then safely return her to the main aquarium, after which the young fish can grow up safely in the breeding aquarium.

First feed

When young Labidochromis flavigulis first start swimming freely, they are already large enough to eat small live food or finely ground dry food. Suitable first foods include artemia nauplii (newly hatched brine shrimp), finely ground flake food, cyclops, or special dust food for cichlid fry. Since adult fish feed on aufwuchs and microorganisms in the wild, a diet rich in plant components and small animal proteins is also recommended for the young.

Conclusion

Labidochromis flavigulis, also known as the “Chisumulu Pearl,” is a fascinating Mbuna cichlid native to Lake Malawi. This relatively small fish, with males up to 10 cm and females up to 8 cm, is characterized by a gray-brown body with a bluish sheen and a striking yellow throat area in adult males. They are territorial and fiercely defend their hiding places, but are generally peaceful towards other fish species. A striking feature is their habit of digging spawning sites in the sand, which is unique within the Labidochromis genus.

For successful care of Labidochromis flavigulis, an aquarium of at least 120 centimeters in length is recommended, with a layout rich in rocks, caves, and a sandy bottom. They thrive in stable water conditions (22-26°C, pH 7.5-8.5) and require a varied diet of algae and small invertebrates. Breeding is possible as a maternal mouthbrooder, whereby it is advisable to temporarily isolate the female for rearing the young. This species is suitable for aquarists with some experience in keeping Malawi cichlids, who understand their specific needs and territorial behavior.

Video

Author

Copyright images

Mark Thomas – Marks Fiskenarie