Pseudocrenilabrus nicholsi
Pseudocrenilabrus nicholsi can reach a length of about 9 centimeters. It is a beautiful colorful fish, the head is yellow-green and over their body they have blue and red spots. The males have more color and are slightly larger than the females. A similar species is the Pseudocrenilabrus multicolor.
Origin
Southern Congo region, Zaire, from the Upemba lakes to Ankoro.
The Aquarium
Pseudocrenilabrus nicholsi needs an aquarium of at least 80 centimeters. Decorate the tank with hard plants, stones and driftwood so that there are sufficient hiding places and caves. The bottom may consist of sand or fine round gravel, no sharp gravel otherwise they can injure themselves. This species likes to dig in the substrate, especially during the mating season, it is therefore also advisable to firmly anchor the plants in a flower pot in the bottom. Also ensure sufficient free swimming space. Change water regularly.
Water parameters
Temperature: 23-26 degrees Celsius.
pH: 6.5-7.5
GH: 8-12
In nature, fish have to deal with fluctuating temperatures. Keeping fish at the minimum or maximum temperature for a long time is not always desirable and can shorten the average lifespan of the animals.
Diet
It would be best to feed them mainly live food such as artemia, mosquito larvae, daphnia, mysis, krill, shrimps and worms. Supplement with dry food. Character: It is a fairly aggressive fish towards conspecifics and other tankmates. It is best to keep 1 male with several females together. They swim in the lower and middle water layers.
Breeding Pseudocrenilabrus nicholsi
Breeding Pseudocrenilabrus nicholsi is quite easy, up to 70 eggs are laid in a hole and fertilized. The female then takes the eggs in her mouth. After about 15 to 20 days the young are released, they can be reared with artemia-nauplii or finely crushed dry food.
Video
Author
Coby
Copyright images
Klaus Steinhaus
Sylvain Dubreuil
