Labidochromis caeruleus(Fryer 1956) the (yellow) blue cichlid

Labidochromis caeruleus - the black back cichlid - is probably one of the widest kept cichlids. Stunning in colouration it is found along a large part of the west coast of Lake Malawi. Although an mbuna, this fish is extremely passive and often kept in mixed communities.

But what is so remarkable is this cichlids has a variety of colour morphs, most of which are not yellow!  The clue is in the name as they are named caeruleus for their colour. Most morphs of this cichlid are in fact blue. Other combinations include white, blue white and yellow white. Indeed the famous yellow morph is only found in a small stretch of the lake near Lion's Cove and it is here from where our hobby fish originate. And most are descended from only one pair. This interbreeding has caused a huge deteriation in colour which is why many available are now washed out with excessive peppering. A far cry ftom their wild compatriates.

Sadly, due to overcollection and their small wild population, this fish should now be considered as vulnerable. Natural or human disaster could easily wipe out the beautiful yellow caeruleus. A few further collections have been made but the population density is becoming low so it may be time to introduce protective measures to save this fish. The pictures show my f1 specimens.

Petrochromis polyodon - the most aggressive cichlid?

Petrochromis polyodon is a behemoth aufwuch feeder from Lake Tanganyika. Similar to a giant tropheus and evelotionary comparable to Lake Malawi Petrotilapia, this fish can beet any in terms of aggression. A 12" male can liquidate all his rivals in a few hours. So why? Probably because of their need to protect their feeding territory from other species. Their diet is extremely specialised and consists purely of algae and small crustacea. The aggresdion is not limited to males. Females can be just as murderous!
How do we keep them? A large tank - ideally 6feet long or more and in large groups - 30 fish would not be overkill. Say 6 males and 24 females. Food has to be low protein and free from mamillian meat. I use aquarian goldfish food alongside hikari koi pellets. And they eat a lot! So good filtration is needed. Breeding is difficult - they are mouthbrooders for up to six weeks. Broods are small fry are huge but very delicate. These fish are well worth the effort!

East Coast Ugly

The East Coast Ptychochromis (Ptychochromis cf grandidieri Ambila-Lemaitso) is a cichlid fish from the North East Coast of Madagascar. Rare in its limited natural range it has been unfairly been labelled the East Coast Ugly and is certainly the swan the grows into a slug. Large, grey with exaggerated features, this fish will not win any beauty contests but it is sure to keep your heart if you manage to find. Very few exist in captivity and I have the only breeding group in Europe! Currently this consists of 9 adults and around 50 juvenilles which I will release to the European hobby. Manage to find these stunners and you will need a reasonable sized aquarium as they can grow to a good 20cm in length and old males can be pretty cantanerous... These cichlids are basal in the family Cichlidae; that is they are a relic species which like the famous lemurs, has evolved in isolation for a very long time. Although superficially similar to Central American cichlids they are in no way closely related. Theyvare a fine example from the fascinating Ptychochromin lineage and along with Heterochromis, Retroculus and Cichla they are probably the most ancient of all cichlid fishes. They are an evolutionists dream and a fascinating species to boot. Search them out!!!