Labidochromis sp. Hongi
Labidochromis sp. Hongi is a typical Mbuna, with a round body, robust build, and rounded head. Males are purplish blue with dark stripes to very light blue (during the breeding season), with a red head and dorsal fin. Females are significantly less colorful, brownish, with dark stripes and yellow/brown fins. They do not grow very large, reaching a maximum length of about 11 cm, with females being slightly smaller.
Origin
Lake Malawi, East Africa, Hongi Island.
The Aquarium
Sandy bottom, rock formations with plenty of hiding places. Plants are allowed, but may be eaten. They dig very little, but are more likely to be found among the rocks, where they also lay their eggs. Tank size minimum 120 cm/250 liters, but the larger the better due to their highly territorial behavior.
Diet
Lots of plant-based food, especially spirulina flakes or green granules, supplemented with crustaceans such as cyclops, shrimp (pieces), mysis, and krill. Be careful with fatty and protein-rich food such as mosquito larvae or artemia. Do not feed red mosquito larvae or tubifex.
Water parameters
Moderately hard to hard, slightly alkaline, temperature 24 degrees. Do not keep too warm; above thirty degrees is dangerous.
Character
Labidochromis sp. Hongi is highly territorial and can be very aggressive. It will fiercely defend its territory, even against other species. Placing two adult males in the same tank will inevitably result in the death of one of them. The females patrol the entire tank and are somewhat friendlier.
Breeding of Labidochromis sp. Hongi
Simply put, the fish are polygamous mouthbrooders, with the female keeping the eggs and fry in her mouth for about three to four weeks. After being released, the fry are independent and can be fed with dust food, young brine shrimp, or finely ground flakes. They will soon be able to eat cyclops as well. Young fish are not safe from their parents – if you want to keep a nest, the mother will have to be separated after two weeks of brooding. After the young hatch, the parents will have to be removed from the young fish fairly quickly. They grow quite quickly (about one centimeter per month).
Video
Author
John de Lange
Copyright images
Kevin Bauman
Mark Thomas – Marks Fiskenarie
