Neetroplus nematopus
Reef cichlid, synonyms: Hypsophrys nematopus, Neetroplus nematoplus, Neetroplus nicaraguensis, Neetroplus fluviatilis, naturally inhabits lakes in Central America (Guatemala, Nicaragua, Costa Rica and in the south of Mexico). These fish were first described by Albert Gunter in 1867. Despite their unassuming coloration, these fish show a very interesting behavior, thanks to which they have gained popularity among aquarists.
Neetroplus nematopus may be one of the most aggressive cichlids. This small fish can make a lot of trouble in an aquarium if the owner knows little about it. Outside of the breeding season, the reef cichlid is relatively peaceful, but during the spawning season it becomes overly aggressive toward other aquarium inhabitants.
The reef cichlid has a black coloration. In the middle of the body passes a vertical cream or white stripe. The cornea of the eyes yellow-golden. Males are larger than females. As for coloration, there are no distinctive features between the two sexes. Males sometimes have a larger occipital hump, but this should not be used as a definite characteristic. The maximum size of males - 11 cm, females - 8 cm.
This is a very aggressive fish, which is recommended in a species aquarium. Can be kept in a common aquarium with other fish of similar size and similar temperament, but it is still undesirable. These fish should be kept in pairs.
The aquarium volume of 120 liters should be densely planted stiff-leaved plants. At the bottom have the stones and snags. It is important that the aquarium was a few caves where fish can hide. Substrate in the form of medium-sized gravel.
Water parameters: temperature 25-26° C, hardness dH 10-15°, acidity pH 7,0-8,0. Requires filtration, aeration and weekly replacement of ¼ of the aquarium water with fresh. Fish are sensitive to excessive concentrations of nitrite in the water.
Reef cichlids are omnivores. In the natural environment, they feed on filamentous algae. In the aquarium, the fish are fed live and frozen nauplii artemia, chironomid, flake food containing spirulina. In general, the fish eat all foods they are given, but still plant components should be predominant. Feed the fish 1-2 times a day.
Reproduction
During the spawning period, usually 3-5 days before spawning, reef cichlids completely change their color from light gray-blue with a black stripe and blue eyes to dark-colored, almost black with a white stripe and gold eyes.
The female lays eggs, 40-75 eggs, in the shelter. She does not attach the eggs to anything, the clutch is located directly on the substrate. After fertilization by the male, the eggs incubate for 4-6 days. Hatch larvae are sedentary and begin to swim freely in 7-10 days. The parents take care of the clutch and fry.
The fry are fed Artemia nauplii and crushed dry food 4 times a day.
