15.06.04

15.06.04

15.06.04

15.06.04

15.06.04

15.06.04

15.06.04

01.10.04

01.10.04



01.10.04

Cyprichromis leptosoma "Kigoma"

Cyprichromis leptosoma are mid-water schooling cichlids from Lake Tanganyika in East Africa.  They come from all over the lake and are found in a cornucopia of colour variants.  Their peaceful temperament, vibrant colours, schooling behaviour and the fact that they will occupy the top half of the tank, where ones other fish rarely go, make them a welcome addition to the Tanganyikan community tank.
 

Cyps are generally very peaceful fish. In the Lake they typically live in schools that number in the thousands but they can wander about in smaller groups. Males stake out three-dimensional territories in mid-water about 100 cm apart from other Cyps, but are willing to let other species or females enter at any time. The males tend to do more "flaring" then actual fighting. Their flaring is actually quite entertaining and keeps the males looking their best. Females are continuously courted and attracted to the male’s territory as soon they enter the three-dimensional breeding lek were the spawning takes place.

Cyps are true schooling cichlids, so they must be kept in groups, 6 individual are OK but the more the better. Tank size should be at lest 250L (66g) but bigger is better. 

In the wild they form large aggregations in mid water, although they do stay close to rocky outcrops, drop-offs or ledges. In the tank, a tall rock wall or ledge should be provided, they will usually swim in the open water in the tank but love also to swim in and around the rocks and will seek refuge there if spooked. At night they will sleep on an angle against the rock wall.

Cyps come in two basic sizes, regular and jumbo. The regular grows to about 8-10 cm (3-4 inches) while the jumbos can reach up to 13-16 cm (5-6.30 inches). The "Jumbo" is more closely related to C pavo and C microlepidotus (wich reach similar sizes and have a similar bodyshape) than it is related to the true C leptosoma. The Cyprichromis leptosoma "Kigoma" is a true C leptosoma they are 9-10 cm (3.5-4 inches). But there also exist a Jumbo variant.
 

The Cyps ”Kigoma ", that we have has has a very shimmering colour that goes from blue/lilac into yellow. They have either yellow/oranges tails or blue/lilac tails. The females have like all Cyps females a boring brown colour, except from a strong yellow colour on there ventral fins. This is also very distinct on the fry, there all have very strong yellow ventral fins, and a black band in there top fin. But the male Cyps coloration more than compensate, for the lack of colour in the females.

In the wild these fish eat plankton out of the mid water, picking anything off that might float or swim by. Their mouths are designed to eat very small pieces or particle of food and extend like little tubes then they suck in the food. In the aquarium they will eat most flakes and frozen foods; we give ours Cyclops, frozen baby brine and a mixed flake with spirulina.