Metriaclima phaeos
The scientific name of this fish species is Metriaclima phaeos. A synonym for this species is Maylandia phaeos. This species was first described by Stauffer, Bowers, Kellogg, and McKaye in 1997. The genus name “Metriaclima” is derived from the Greek word meaning “moderately sloping,” which refers to the shape of the head of these fish. The species name “phaeos” comes from the Greek word for “gray” or “dun,” which refers to the color of the fish.
Synonyms for Metriaclima phaeos are: Maylandia phaeos, Pseudotropheus phaeos.
Description
Metriaclima phaeos is a slender and streamlined fish, characteristic of many cichlids in the mbuna group. Its head and flank typically display a gray-blue color with a slight sheen, giving the fish an attractive appearance. Males in breeding coloration develop a dark mask on their heads. Additionally, a series of vertical dark blue lines are distinctly visible on the front of their light blue flanks. Males often have a darker dorsal fin, which can range from gray to deeper shades of blue or green, depending on their mood and environment. The fins are usually light blue or gray with a yellow edge, particularly prominent in males during the breeding season. Adult males can grow to about 18 centimeters in length, while females are generally smaller, reaching around 14 centimeters.
There are noticeable physical differences between male and female Metriaclima phaeos. Males usually display more vibrant colors and possess larger, more pronounced fins. In contrast, females tend to have more subdued colors, often featuring a bright yellow tinge, particularly in specific populations like Londo in Mozambique. Behaviorally, males are generally more aggressive, particularly during the breeding season, while females are more sociable and may form groups. Juvenile fish are often brighter in color and may exhibit different color patterns compared to adults, which helps them blend into their natural environment for better camouflage.
Metriaclima phaeos is a territorial species that lives in groups. However, males can be quite aggressive towards one another, particularly in smaller aquariums. These fish are bottom dwellers and often seek refuge among rocks and other structures in the aquarium. They are generally not shy and can coexist well with other mbuna species, as long as there is sufficient space and hiding spots available. Their social structure is significant, and they typically defend their territory against other males of the same species.
The life expectancy of Metriaclima phaeos in the wild ranges from approximately 5 to 10 years. However, in a well-maintained aquarium, they can live for 10 years or more, depending on the quality of care and water conditions.
Biotope
Metriaclima phaeos is a species native to Malawi, specifically found in Lake Malawi. They inhabit areas along the eastern shore, particularly between Cobue and Undu Point. This species primarily resides in the rocky sections of the lake, where they feed on algae that grow on the rocks and sandy bottom. Lake Malawi is renowned for its rich biodiversity and the variety of cichlid species it hosts. Metriaclima phaeos can typically be found in the transition zone between rocks and sand at depths ranging from approximately 1 to 5 meters.
Their natural habitat comprises rocky substrates with minimal underwater vegetation. Typically, there is not much plant life present, and the edges of the water are often bare, lacking trees or other greenery. The bottom primarily consists of sand and gravel, which aids them in searching for food and shelter.
Metriaclima phaeos inhabits a tropical climate, but the depth of Lake Malawi ensures that the water conditions remain relatively stable.
Diet
In its natural habitat, Metriaclima phaeos primarily feeds on algae that grow on the rocks and sandy bottom of Lake Malawi. This species is herbivorous, with a diet that is rich in plant material. It focuses on scraping algae and other microorganisms from the substrate. Their feeding behavior is well-suited to their environment, as they use their teeth to scrape algae from rocks and consume loose particles.
In an aquarium, it is important to provide a varied diet for the fish, focusing on foods that are rich in plant components. Suitable options include special algae-rich foods like spirulina pellets or flakes. You can alternate these with mixed flakes or granules to ensure the fish receive the necessary nutrients for good health. Providing sufficient fiber and plant material is crucial, as it aids digestion and contributes to their overall well-being.
It’s important to avoid overfeeding Metriaclima phaeos with protein-rich foods, such as meat, or excessive amounts of live food, as this can harm their health and lead to digestive issues. A well-balanced diet is essential for their growth and well-being in an aquarium environment.
The Aquarium
To successfully keep Metriaclima phaeos, it is recommended to have an aquarium that is at least 150 centimeters long. This size provides sufficient space for the fish to swim and establish their territories. If you plan to house multiple males, consider using an aquarium that is at least 200 centimeters long. The additional space helps minimize aggression between males and offers more hiding spots.
The aquarium should primarily be decorated with rocks and hiding places, as these fish prefer to conceal themselves and establish their territory. Rock formations are essential for this purpose. A sandy substrate is ideal because it closely resembles the fish’s natural environment, Metriaclima phaeos. Sand provides a suitable surface for scraping off algae and is gentler on their fins compared to gravel. It is crucial to incorporate enough hiding spots to ensure that the fish feel safe and can defend their territory effectively.
Metriaclima phaeos thrives best in hard water with a pH range of 7.5 to 8.5 and a temperature between 22°C and 26°C. Regular water changes are essential to maintain water quality, as these fish are sensitive to changes in their environment.
Metriaclima phaeos can be housed with other mbuna species, such as Labidochromis, Pseudotropheus, and Cynotilapia. However, it is important to avoid keeping them with aggressive species or other cichlids that might disturb their territorial behavior. To enhance the tank’s social dynamics and reduce stress, it is advisable to maintain a group consisting of multiple females for every male, ideally with a ratio of one male to two or three females.
Breeding aquarium and conditioning
Metriaclima phaeos can be bred successfully in an aquarium, but using a dedicated breeding tank may enhance the likelihood of successful reproduction.
To ensure the health and conditioning of fish, it is essential to feed them high-quality food. Excellent choices include artemia, mysis, and algae-rich options like spirulina pellets. Providing this nutritious diet promotes their overall health and encourages their willingness to breed.
A recommended breeding ratio is one male to two or three females. This arrangement helps prevent excessive aggression among males and ensures that females have ample opportunities to mate and lay eggs.
The Spawn
During the spawning season, male Metriaclima phaeos often exhibit a more vibrant coloration, displaying a bright bluish or grayish hue that enhances their vertical stripes. This change in color serves to attract females and establish their territory. Additionally, males may show a more pronounced contrast in their fins, which helps them stand out during courtship.
The courtship ritual typically features a dance in which the male showcases his most vibrant colors. With gentle movements, he swims past the female, spreading his fins and displaying his flank to attract her attention. This display may be accompanied by territorial behavior, as the male protects his area from other males. Mating generally occurs in the early morning, when the fish are more active and the water conditions are ideal.
When the female arrives at the spot chosen by the male, they are ready to lay the eggs. The pair circles each other for a while, and then the female lays one or more eggs in the sand. While she is laying the eggs, the male fertilizes them. Afterward, the female turns around and takes the eggs into her mouth. This process is repeated until all the eggs have been laid. At this point, the male’s task is complete.
Raising the fry
The eggs of Metriaclima phaeos typically hatch after about 3 to 4 days, depending on temperature and water quality. Once they hatch, the young fish remain in the female’s mouth, where they are protected from predators and other environmental threats.
The eggs stay in the female’s mouth for about 21 days after mating. You can check for eggs by looking at her throat, which will appear thicker than usual. Around day 21, the female releases the eggs among the rocks. After this, the eggs are left to develop on their own.
The initial food for young fish should be fine powdered or finely crushed flake food. It’s essential to feed the young regularly, ideally 2 to 3 times a day, to support their growth and development.
If young fish are released into an aquarium with adult fish, many of them will likely become food. However, a few may survive if there are enough hiding places available. If you wish to raise more fish, you can catch the female between days 16 and 18 and transfer her to a separate rearing aquarium. Set up this tank with some sand at the bottom and include several hiding places where the female can feel secure. After the young fish are released, return the female to the main aquarium. For the first few hours after their release, she will not eat her own young.
Particularities
Metriaclima phaeos is a relatively new species in the aquarium trade, first described in 1997 by Stauffer, Bowers, Kellogg, and McKaye. This species is a mouthbrooder, meaning that the females incubate their eggs in their mouths, which is typical behavior for many Lake Malawi cichlids. This method of incubation offers the young protection from predation and other environmental threats.
There are several varieties of Metriaclima phaeos, which vary depending on their geographic origin. One well-known variety, called “Londo,” is found along the eastern shores of Lake Malawi, while other varieties, such as those from Undu Reef, have also been identified. These different origins can lead to variations in color and pattern among the fish. For instance, some females display a bright yellow hue, particularly during their early life stages. This raises an intriguing question: do juveniles and young females change color as they grow?
Metriaclima phaeos is known for its strong social structures and territorial behavior. Males can be very aggressive toward each other, especially in smaller aquariums, so it is crucial to provide ample space and hiding spots. To enhance social dynamics and reduce stress for the females, it is advisable to keep multiple females with each male.
In termen van verzorging zijn ze relatief gemakkelijk te houden, mits de juiste waterwaarden en een goed dieet worden gehandhaafd. Ze zijn niet kieskeurig wat betreft voedsel en kunnen goed overweg met een verscheidenheid aan voedingsmiddelen, waaronder droogvoer, artemia en spirulina pellets.
It’s important to note that Metriaclima phaeos is not commonly found in retail stores, which can make it challenging for aquarists to locate this species. As a result, juvenile prices tend to be somewhat higher than average. However, their unique appearance and fascinating breeding behavior make them an appealing choice for cichlid enthusiasts.
Author
John de Lange
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