The longest-serving mouthbrooding cichlid in our aquariums is Pseudocrenilabrus multicolor. It was introduced to Germany from Egypt as early as 1902. The animals, which are usually 4-5 cm long—the maximum length given in the literature is 8 cm—have never died out in the hobby since then. It can even be assumed that these fish have been kept and bred in conservation breeding for over 100 years without “new blood,” i.e., without any new imports. Only recently has it become somewhat quiet around it. We are therefore very pleased to be able to offer it again.
P. multicolor cannot compete with the colorful mouthbrooding cichlids from Lake Malawi, even though it is very colorful. But its colors are iridescent and small, while its larger cousins are strikingly colorful. On the other hand, it is always a great pleasure to observe the brood care of this lively little animal. Unlike most Malawi cichlids, the mother P. multicolor keeps the young fish in her mouth for many days (about a week) after they are first released, in case of supposed danger and at night.
P. multicolor should be kept at temperatures between 20 and 28°C in well-planted tanks, which should also have some areas of bare sand. During the spawning season, the male builds a shallow pit and attracts the fairer sex by displaying his magnificent colors and surfing across the bottom with his tail fin, showing her the way to the love nest. They will eat any standard ornamental fish food of a suitable size, whether dry, frozen, or live food. Due to its relatively small size, P. multicolor does not need large aquariums, but the males should not be underestimated during the spawning season. Filled with hormones, they successfully take on significantly larger opponents, and harmless peaceful fish also have nothing to laugh about.
For our customers: the animals have code 566303 on our stock list. Please note that we only supply wholesale customers.
Text & photos: Frank Schäfer
