Orthochromis stormsi

6. July 2007

Orthochromis stormsi reached us as bycatch with Steatocranus casuarius. Both species originate from Central Africa, where they inhabit the cataracts of the Congo River. Their maximum size amounts to 12 cm, whereby the females remain somewhat smaller. The differences between sexes are only weakly pronounced, males appear more multicoloured, females have a darker basic colour. Their social behaviour is very interesting, because of their rather high aggression potential one should however maintain them in one not to small groups. In a 200l tank about 10 animals can be accommodated. In such a group is a constant movement, apart from its favourite activity the feeding, it hunts conspecifics through the tank, rests on a stone and begins then again with hunting on the neighbours. According to their origin from fast flowing waters they need clean, oxygen-rich water. Otherwise they are rather undemanding, with good care one will discover with high probability sometime a “chewing” female and can look forward to the new generation.

(Photo F. Schäfer, Text K. Diehl)

Angaben zum Tier
Herkunft Congo, Congo River