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Midwest Aquarium and Pond Supplier LLC

(112) Mara-Rocks Sulphur Crest Cichlid 3in

(112) Mara-Rocks Sulphur Crest Cichlid 3in

$100.00 USD
$100.00 USD
Oferta Agotado
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The name "Mara-Rocks Sulphur Crest" refers to a specific variant of the Sulphurhead Haplochromine Cichlid (Protomelas spilonotus), a species native to Lake Malawi in Africa. 
This stunning cichlid is a haplochromine, or "hap," rather than a peacock cichlid, and is known for its vibrant yellow "sulphur" crest on the head and shimmering blue body in males. It is considered relatively peaceful for an African cichlid, but like all cichlids, it can be territorial. 

Tank and water requirements
  • Tank size: A minimum tank size of 75 gallons (300 liters) is required to house these active and large fish comfortably. Larger tanks are always better for dispersing aggression.
  • Substrate: Fine sand or gravel is an ideal substrate. These fish love to dig and rearrange the decor.
  • Filtration: A robust filtration system is essential to manage the bioload of these large cichlids and maintain clean, oxygenated water.
  • Water parameters:
    • Temperature: 74–84°F (24–28°C).
    • pH: 7.4–8.4, which is necessary to replicate their natural Lake Malawi habitat.
  • Decorations: Aquascape with plenty of rocks, caves, and crevices to create territories and hiding places. Also, ensure there is ample open space for swimming. 

Diet and feeding
  • Omnivorous diet: P. spilonotus is an omnivore in the wild, feeding on insects and invertebrates. In the aquarium, they will readily accept a variety of foods.
  • Food types: A combination of high-quality cichlid pellets or flakes, live or frozen protein sources (such as brine shrimp and krill), and some vegetable matter is recommended.
  • Feeding schedule: Feed once or twice daily, offering only what they can consume in a few minutes. 

Temperament and tank mates
  • Semi-aggressive: Compared to other Malawian cichlids, the 
    Mara-Rocks Sulphur Crest
     is relatively mild-mannered, but it will defend its territory.
  • Tank mates: They are best kept with other similarly sized and tempered non-mbuna African cichlids from Lake Malawi, including other haps and peacocks.
  • Social dynamics: It's often recommended to keep them in groups to help disperse aggression. A ratio of one male to several females works well, but in large enough tanks, multiple males can coexist. 

Breeding
  • Maternal mouthbrooders: Like other Malawi cichlids, the 
    Mara-Rocks Sulphur Crest
     is a mouthbrooder, with the female carrying the fertilized eggs in her mouth for about 21 to 28 days.
  • Spawning site: The male will create a sandy pit to entice the female to spawn.
  • Raising fry: Once the fry are free-swimming, they can be fed newly hatched brine shrimp or finely crushed flakes
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