Melanochromis lepidiadaptes
Melanochromis lepidiadaptes was first described by Bowers and Stauffer in 1997. The genus name Melanochromis is derived from Greek; “melano” means black, while “chromis” was mentioned by Aristotle and possibly comes from the word “Chroemo,” which refers to the sound of a neighing or a drum, highlighting the fish’s ability to produce sound. The term “chromis” has also been applied to various fish groups, including cichlids, damselfish, and wrasses, which were once thought to be closely related. This name is commonly used in the nomenclature of several African fish genera.
The species name lepidiadaptes also comes from Greek, where “lepis” means scale and “diadaptos” means to tear or pull. This refers to the feeding habit of this fish, which is to eat the scales of other fish.
Synonyms: Melanochromis lepidophage.
Description
Melanochromis lepidiadaptes has an elongated, laterally compressed body. Its head and sides are sky blue, while the dorsal portion, extending from the gill cover to the tip of the dorsal fin, exhibits an iridescent golden-green glow. Additionally, there is a noticeable black spot on the gill covers.
The body features two dark longitudinal stripes that are often only faintly visible. The upper stripe runs just below the dorsal line and may break into separate spots, while the lower stripe extends continuously just beneath the lateral line. The dorsal fin displays white tips on the fin membranes. Overall, the fins have a bluish hue with a slight iridescent sheen.
Males can reach a length of around 12-14 cm, while females remain slightly smaller, around 10-11 cm.
Differences between Males and Females
Physical differences:
Males are larger than females and have a more intense color, especially during the breeding season when the melanin pattern disappears completely. Females are white in color and have a less pronounced golden-green sheen over the dorsal part of the body.
Behavioral differences:
Males are territorial, especially during mating season, and can be aggressive toward other males and sometimes toward females. Females are generally less aggressive and less territorial.
Behavior and Temperament
Melanochromis lepidiadaptes is a moderately aggressive Mbuna species. They are active and tend to live in groups, especially near rocky shelters. They can be aggressive towards smaller fish species and conspecifics, especially during the breeding season.
Life expectancy
In an aquarium these fish can reach an age of 8-10 years.
Biotope
Melanochromis lepidiadaptes is found in Lake Malawi, specifically at Makanjila Point and Luwala Reef. This species is endemic to the lake.
They live in transition zones between rocks and sediment-poor areas at depths of approximately 5 to 20 meters. These zones typically feature rocky substrates with minimal underwater vegetation.
Natural Predators and Food:
Melanochromis lepidiadaptes is a predator that primarily feeds on the scales of other fish, young fish, crustaceans, and other small aquatic animals. It is an opportunistic feeder and may also consume carrion. While there is no specific information about its natural predators, its scale-eating behavior indicates that it occupies a niche as a specialist predator.
Diet
In the wild, Melanochromis lepidiadaptes primarily feeds on the scales of other fish, young fish, crustaceans, and other small aquatic animals. They are opportunistic feeders and may also consume carrion. This species is considered omnivorous, meaning it eats both animal and plant matter.
Food in the Aquarium
In an aquarium, Melanochromis lepidiadaptes can be fed a varied diet that includes both animal and vegetable foods. Here are some recommended foods:
- Cichlid Pellets and Flakes: These are specially formulated for cichlids and contain the necessary nutrients.
- Frozen food: Artemia, mysis shrimp and mosquito larvae are good options.
- Vegetables: Leafy greens such as spinach, lettuce and spirulina flakes can be added to vary their diet.
- Live food: Small crustaceans and insect larvae can also be given as a treat.
It is important to provide a balanced diet that contains both animal and vegetable components to ensure that the fish receive all the necessary nutrients.
The aquarium
For a single pair of Melanochromis lepidiadaptes, it is recommended to have an aquarium with minimum dimensions of 180 cm x 60 cm x 60 cm. If you plan to keep multiple pairs, the tank should be significantly larger—preferably over 1000 liters—to ensure adequate space and reduce aggression among the fish.
To set up the aquarium, focus mainly on using rocks. Stack the rocks to create niches and caves, which will provide plenty of hiding places and territories for the fish. Use sand as the substrate, as it mimics the fish’s natural habitat and makes digging easier. It’s best to avoid using plants, as these fish often damage them. Instead, concentrate on creating a rocky environment.
Water parameters
The best water parameters for Melanochromis lepidiadaptes in the aquarium are:
- Temperature: 22 – 26 °C.
- pH: 7,5 – 8,5.
- Water hardness: 1 – 16° dGH.
Suitable Tank Mates
Suitable tank mates include Labeotropheus species, Metriaclima species, Tropheops species.
Unsuitable Fish Species: Avoid keeping with smaller, less robust fish species, as Melanochromis lepidiadaptes can be aggressive towards smaller fish.
Breeding Melanochromis lepidiadaptes
During the breeding season, the males’ colors become more intense. The melanin pattern disappears completely, making the sky-blue body color and the iridescent golden-green sheen on the dorsal part stand out even more. Females retain their white color with a less pronounced golden-green sheen on the dorsal part of the body.
When a male realizes that a female is ready to mate, he begins searching for a suitable spot in the sand. He then digs a shallow breeding pit. By inflating his fins and displaying trembling movements, he attempts to impress the female and encourage her to follow him to the sandy hole.
The males dig small pits in the sand to lay their eggs. These pits are typically found in transition zones between rocks and areas with little sediment.
The female fish lays one or more eggs in the sand while circling around with the male, who fertilizes the eggs. After laying the eggs, the female collects them in her mouth. Melanochromis lepidiadaptes is known as a maternal mouthbrooder, meaning that the females carry the eggs and later the young in their mouths for protection. A female can typically carry between 20 and 40 eggs per brood, although this number can vary.
The eggs hatch after three to four days. However, the hatched fish remain in their mother’s mouth for up to 21 days after being laid. They feed on their egg yolk sac.
In a mixed aquarium with adult fish, young fish often become prey. While some may manage to escape by hiding among the rocks, many do not survive. If you want to keep more young fish, you can separate the female after the 17th day. Place her in a small aquarium that has sand on the bottom and provides a hiding place for her to feel secure.
In the first hours after releasing the young fish, she will not eat her own young, so you have enough time to put her back in the main aquarium.
The young Melanochromis lepidiadaptes can be fed with artemia nauplii and finely crushed flake food.
Author
John de Lange
Copyright images
Toni Wagner – Tonis-africancichlids.de
