Pseudotropheus saulosi
Pseudotropheus saulosi lives in the wild in Lake Malawi, Africa. The fish stay at a depth of 7-15 m. Their huge shoals swim near rocky rocks, curiously exploring their surroundings and looking for food. In these shoals you can find mostly yellow-colored fish, indicating that these are either females or juveniles.
Pseudotropheus saulosi are dimorphic, i.e. males of one color and females of another. Adult males have black stripes on their bodies. All young have the same coloration as females, which can be yellow in purebreds or slightly orange in less purebreds. Over time, when the hierarchy is established, the dominant males will color: they will become pale blue with dark blue or black vertical stripes on the body. Females will remain yellow-orange. Less dominant males may retain their yellow coloration to hide from their dominant brethren. Specimens with bright blue coloration are often the dominant males. The maximum size of the fish is 8 cm.
Pseudotropheus saulosi are active in almost all layers of water (upper, middle, and lower), but usually settle among the rocks near the bottom. This is a territorial fish, so it is important that each fish has its own shelter and free area near it. Keep fish is recommended in the proportion of 1 male to 2-4 females.
To contain the fish suitable aquarium of 150 liters. As the substrate used sand or a mixture of sand and gravel of various sizes. In different parts of the aquarium should be placed large stones so that between them formed splits, which will be a refuge for fish.
Water parameters: temperature 24-27° C, hardness dH 8-16°, pH 7,8-8,2. Requires filtration, aeration and a weekly change of 1/3 of the aquarium water with fresh.
The fish's menu consists mainly of plant foods such as spirulina algae. The fish are also given pelleted and flaked foods containing spirulina, chopped cucumbers, peas, apples, and pears. The food is given twice a day. Once a week, it is desirable to arrange a day off, not giving the fish food.
Reproduction
Pseudotropheus saulosi incubate eggs in their mouths. During the spawning period, the male digs a small hole in the substrate and attracts one of the females to it. After the female spawns, she collects the eggs in her mouth. At the time when the female collects the eggs, she tries to peck the egg spots located on the male's tail. During this process, the male emits a cloud of milk to fertilize the eggs in the female's mouth. In total, the female hatches 15-20 eggs. The eggs are incubated for about 3 weeks, during this time the female does not eat anything. Should not disturb the female, because when frightened, she may swallow the eggs or spit them out.
The fry are fed artemia at least four times a day.
The lifespan of Pseudotropheus saulosi is about 5 years.
