Aristochromis christyi
Aristochromis christyi inhabits Lake Malawi under natural conditions. Fish are found in the so-called intermediate zones, where rocky rocks give way to a sandy bottom, at depths of up to 30 meters.
The male has a shiny blue body, the coloration of which becomes more contrasting in the pre spawning period. Along the entire body diagonally runs a band consisting of a peculiar pattern. There are specimens of fish, which instead of one diagonal stripe there are two, but discontinuous. The coloration of females is gray-yellow with a contrasting stripe of black on the sides. The maximum size of the fish is 25-30 cm.
Keep aAristochromis christyi, given their considerable size, should be in a spacious aquarium, for 1 individual should be from 200 liters of water. Since these fish usually live among the rocky rocks, it is better in the aquarium to arrange large stones so that they formed caves for shelter. Despite the fact that there are basically no requirements for the soil, it is still better to use coarse-grained river sand as it. Aristochromis christyi in nature prefer to stay in open water, so in the aquarium should provide plenty of free space for swimming fish.
Aristochromis christyi fish predatory. Keep these fish preferably in a species aquarium or in a common aquarium with commensurate in size fish, all neighbors who can fit into their mouths will certainly be eaten. Keep Aristochromis christi should be in the proportion of 1 male and 2-3 females. In one aquarium should not be more than 1 male.
Water parameters: temperature 24 - 26° C , hardness dH 12-25°, acidity pH 7,5-9,0. Need quality water filtration, as fish of this size produce a lot of waste, as well as its enhanced aeration. Once a week it is necessary to replace 1/5 of the aquarium water fresh.
Fish menu is made up of small fish (mainly other cichlids), shrimp. Fish can easily be accustomed to eat frozen and dry food. Fish eat shrimp, mussels, clams, dry food in the form of flakes and pellets.
Reproduction
In aquarium conditions, it is possible to get offspring from Aristochromis christyi, although not often.
Usually the fish spawn in the same aquarium where they stay permanently. The aquarium should have plenty of hiding places, as the male may attack individual females not ready for spawning. Before spawning, the male cleans the future spawning site from dirt and algae. During this period, the male acquires a bright coloration that attracts females. When one of the females swims up to the male begins the actual process of spawning. The female swims several batches of eggs and immediately collects all the eggs in her mouth. After that, she swims up to the male, to his anal fin, and opens his mouth, at the same time the male releases sperm. Then the female swims the next batch of eggs and the fertilization process is repeated. A large female is capable of carrying up to 100 fry at a time.
The eggs incubate in the female's mouth for 3-4 weeks before the fry leave their mother's mouth. During this time, the female does not eat anything. The female should not be disturbed during this time, as she may eat her entire brood during stress.
The hatched fry are quite large and are able to eat artemia from birth. The first week after birth, the fry swim in a friendly flock under the tireless control of their mother and in case of the slightest danger immediately swim into her mouth.
Life expectancy Aristochromis christyi in aquarium conditions is 5-8 years.
