Pseudotropheus Elongatus Usisya
Quick Stats
| Size | 5" (12 cm) |
|---|---|
| Tank | 200 Litres |
| Swimming Area | Will visit all levels |
| Ph | 7.5 to 8.0 |
| Temperature | 72ºF to 79ºF(22-26°C) |
| Food | Flaked, pelleted, live and frozen foods. |
Common Name:
Pseudotropheus sp. 'elongatus usisya'.
Distribution:
Located at Mara Rocks and at Mphandi Reef in Lake Malawi.
Colouration:
Male coloration ranges from brown to a bright yellow color with a blue face and dark brown markings during spawning. Females stay a very dark brown unless stressed, then they'll lighten up.
Lifespan:
10 years +
Maintenance:
10 to 20% weekly water changes. Pseudotropheus Elongatus are an aggressive fish and intolerant of others in its territory. Tank mates should be from the same area and be able to fend off their attentions.
Feeding:
Feeding is not difficult as they will accept all types of flake frozen or live. In their home territory they would graze of the algae covered rocks called Aufwuchs, so it is important to supplement with food containing spirulina and this should be given regularly. It is best to avoid feeding live foods to this fish as it can cause bloating and be fatal.
Substrate:
Crushed Coral Sand. These guys dig!
Tank Decor:
The set up should be a typical Lake Malawi biotope. Provide plenty of rock work and caves with hard alkaline water with a pH of at least 7.5. The bottom substrate should be of a material that will aid in the pH buffering capabilities of the water. Good substrate choices could be Dolomite or crushed coral to aid in buffering the water.
Filtration:
Provide good filtration and do frequent water changes.
Biotype:
Sediment-rich rocky area of lake Malawi.
Breeding:
Males are very good diggers and will move large amounts of substrate both in the wild and in the aquaria. They aren't overly aggressive to tank mates but when spawning will defend the spawning site. Females are bred in the typical mbuna egg spot fashion. Males aren't very relentless in their spawning compared to some other species. Females hold between 15-30 eggs for about 25 days. The young fish will leave the mothers mouth after about twenty five days and be about 1/3 of an inch in length. Fry are very dark and will hide and blend in very well with dark gravel and plants. They are excellent and protective parents and have been known to raise young in crowded community set ups. During this brooding the female will not eat. They will accept all types of food and can grow quickly.