Labeotropheus

From Infogalactic: the planetary knowledge core
Jump to: navigation, search
Labeotropheus
File:Labeotropheus fuelleborni crop.png
Blue mbuna, (L. fuelleborni)
Scientific classification
Kingdom:
Phylum:
Class:
Order:
Family:
Subfamily:
Tribe:
Genus:
Labeotropheus

Type species
Labeotropheus fuelleborni
Ahl, 1926

Lua error in Module:Taxonbar/candidate at line 22: attempt to index field 'wikibase' (a nil value).

Labeotropheus is a small genus of cichlid fish endemic to Lake Malawi in eastern Africa. It includes at least two species, each with a number of subspecies or races. Further taxonomic work is required to determine how many species exist. These cichlids are popular ornamental fish and are ideally suited to the cichlid aquarium. Like many Malawi cichlids, Labeotropheus species are algal grazers.

Species

There are currently two recognized species in this genus:[1]

In the aquarium

Like all cichlids from Lake Malawi these cichlids are best maintained in hard, alkaline water. Labeotropheus are best kept in aquariums with volumes greater than 120 l (31.5 gallon). The aquarium should be decorated with rocks, although caves can also be easily created from terracotta pots.

References

  1. Froese, Rainer, and Daniel Pauly, eds. (2013). Species of Labeotropheus in FishBase. February 2013 version.