Dimidiochromis kiwinge
In natural conditions Dimidiochromis kiwinge, synonyms: Cyrtocara kiwinge, Haplochromis fuelleborni, Haplochromis kiwinge, lives in the African Lake Malawi. In nature, adult fish are kept in pairs near the bottom or in the middle layer of water, and juveniles gather in large flocks. During the hunt, fish gather in large flocks of 20-50 fish and pounce furiously on anything edible that comes their way. Their typical habitat is sandy-rocky mixed grounds and banks edged with reeds, at a depth of 1 to 15 m. They are fish-eating fish with a calm temperament. These fish are rarely exported for trade and therefore are not well known among aquarists.
Dimidiochromis kiwinge have a torpedo-like body shape. Males are larger than females and are blue in color. The females are olive gray, with a dark longitudinal stripe on the body. The size of the fish reaches about 29 cm, however, the dominant males can reach 30 cm.
Dimidiochromis kiwinge are territorial fish that will not tolerate any competitors invading their living area. They are especially hostile to other territorial neighbors. Territorial disputes between fish can lead to fierce fights. In their constant search for dominance, dominant males are constantly in conflict with each other, and the battles between them can be very long and fierce. As a result of such battles, one of the males submits to the stronger one or dies. Fish are constantly swarming in the substrate, transforming the environment in the aquarium.
For adult fish need an aquarium of 1000 liters, and for rearing young fish suitable aquarium of 600 liters. Adult fish should be kept in the proportion of 1 male and 2-3 females. Should not contain more than one male in the aquarium. As the substrate used coarse-grained river sand, poured a layer of at least 5 cm. In the corners of the aquarium should be placed large stones.
Water parameters: temperature 24-26° C, hardness dH 5-15°, acidity pH 7,5-8,5. Requires enhanced filtration, aeration and a weekly substitution of ¼ of the aquarium water with fresh.
Dimidiochromis kiwinge are predators, feeding mainly on fish in nature. Under aquarium conditions they are fed fish fillets, live fish, earthworms, snails, large insects, etc. Food is given 1-2 times a day.
Reproduction
During the spawning period, the male builds a large nest in the substrate in the form of a hole located between the boulders. When the construction of the nest is finished, the male attracts one of the females to him. The female, attracted to the courtship of the male, swims up to the nest and spawns there, which after being fertilized by the male, she collects in her mouth and swims away to shelter. The eggs incubate in the female's mouth for three weeks. During this time, she does not eat anything. After the female releases her brood from her mouth, she takes care of it for quite a long time. At the slightest danger, the fry find shelter in their mother's mouth.
During the first days of life, the fry are fed artemia at least 4 times a day.
Dimidiochromis kiwinge has a lifespan of about 10 years.
