http://www.africancichlids.net/forums/index.php African Cichlids RDF feed http://www.africancichlids.net/forums/index.php?t=rview&goto=10704&th=1292#msg_10704 es tem cara de ser malawi e não vitória?
]]> Eneias Melo 2010-02-16T15:40:17-00:00 http://www.africancichlids.net/forums/index.php?t=rview&goto=10586&th=2181#msg_10586
I'm a haplochromine fan too!

You are starting out right with a large tank. As for setup, the fish you listed are from different biotopes. The Pundamilia species really like a lot of rockwork in their setup while Lipochromis sp. "matumbi hunter" likes open areas and will do well in a planted tank with some rockwork. IF you check the articles section out here I think you'll find some good information on most species. I'll check back for any inquiries you have that I can answer.

Happy fishing.
Greg]]> Gass 2009-09-07T16:38:46-00:00 http://www.africancichlids.net/forums/index.php?t=rview&goto=10569&th=2181#msg_10569
I am very interested in setting up my first African Cichlid tank. I am looking at either a 125 or 180 gallon tank, it all depends on how much money I have. Out of all the different types of cichlids which ones are best for a guy just starting out? Which types Mbuna, Victoria, Peacocks, Malawi, Tanganyika have the most amazing colors?

I live in northern New Jersey it is not uncommon to have power outages. So I can't go with reef aquariums (too sensitive to changes) which is fine because cichlids in my opinion rival them in color.

I really like the Christmas Fulu, P Chromogymos(Zue Isl) Matumbi hunter, Day glow, flame back, Kyoga Flameback, Halp ruby green, Pundamila (Igombe Isl.) Pundamila Crimson Tide.

Sorry I am not great on the scientific names I will get better over time

I am leaning towards Victoria since the Christmas Fulu and Kyoga Flame back are my 2 favorites. What other types of species (Mbuna, Malwai, Peacock, Tanganyika) can you keep with Victoria species?

How many fish can I keep in say a 125 tank? Where do you buy the sandy substrate for the tank? Can you have a planted tank? I am big in Bio-Tape. Where is the best place to obtain rocks that mimic or are from Lake Victoria? I would like to make the tank as close to the wild as possible. So maybe plants aren't the way to go. Sorry for the long message just need some help.

Thanks,
Steve]]> redsono93 2009-08-11T02:33:29-00:00 http://www.africancichlids.net/forums/index.php?t=rview&goto=10281&th=2045#msg_10281
Right now, I have 6 species of Vics...Xystichromis sp Kyoga Flamebacks, Xystichromis phytophagus, Neochromis Omnicaeruleus, Paralabidochromis Chromogynos, Astatoilapia latifasciata, and some baby Mbipia Lutea.

Looks like I'll be picking up a couple of tanks at a steal today and I'm wondering if there is a species I'm missing that would be interesting. I can do species only tanks for all of these species, my main problem is fry tanks. I am having problems getting enough fry tanks for all, so I need something that will be easily identifiable if I have to mix fry. I am hoping to get some 20's in the near future, but I don't know how long it will be, so I'm trying to keep my options more mixable.

Thanks for any input.]]> LadyBarbara01 2008-11-15T14:50:49-00:00 http://www.africancichlids.net/forums/index.php?t=rview&goto=10254&th=2032#msg_10254
Sorry to hear about your loss. These are beautiful fish. Sometimes once a rival male is taken out of the picture, the remaining male has no reason to show prominence and will dull. These fish really do best when kept in a small group so I would suggest adding a few more individuals to the mix. I bet the first sight of a competing male and your ruby will flare up once again.

]]> Gass 2008-10-22T23:41:54-00:00 http://www.africancichlids.net/forums/index.php?t=rview&goto=10250&th=2032#msg_10250
-Chris]]> cmcpart0422 2008-10-12T22:51:19-00:00 http://www.africancichlids.net/forums/index.php?t=rview&goto=9940&th=1956#msg_9940
I don't think the pH is going to be much of a problem with A sp. "thick skin". This species is among the most adaptable to water conditions and environmental changes of all cichlids. I suspect there is something else amiss with the situation.]]> Gass 2008-07-07T23:57:38-00:00 http://www.africancichlids.net/forums/index.php?t=rview&goto=9934&th=1956#msg_9934
As of real recently my pH is dropping like crazy in my tank. They must be doing something to the public water in my area because the pH has dropped from 7.6 to 7.2

It hasn't effected the Malawians so much but I have noticed that the victorians seem to be getting sick and can't figure out what is wrong with them. I didnt want to believe that it could be the drop in pH but can't think of anything else it could be. I have not added any other fish and my water changes are done with complete consistancy every week. They don't appear to be thriving and looks to me like they have stopped eating. Have not seen any signs of Bloat or ick but have seen what looks like stress. I know there is no fin and tail rot but their fins do appear to be looking a bit freid. I have added nice large pieces of coral from the pet store that was in the marine section (not live coral). Question is, I have added about 20 large pieces, how long do you think before I should start seeing a difference in the pH if any. It's only been two days since I added them. I am treating the Victorians in a hospital tank. Could the pH dropping like this be the problem? Let me know what you think. That fish that you called the
Astatotilapia sp. "thick skin" is the one that really is showing signs of not eating, hiding, tail and fins are showing signs of stress. Any ideas??? ]]> Malawi Mother 2008-07-07T03:00:39-00:00 http://www.africancichlids.net/forums/index.php?t=rview&goto=9933&th=1956#msg_9933

I was told that obliquidens are extinct in the wild however they are in abundance in our aquariums, is this not true?

]]> Malawi Mother 2008-07-07T02:46:57-00:00 http://www.africancichlids.net/forums/index.php?t=rview&goto=9932&th=1956#msg_9932 Gass 2008-07-07T02:24:32-00:00 http://www.africancichlids.net/forums/index.php?t=rview&goto=9929&th=1956#msg_9929 Malawi Mother 2008-07-06T16:22:54-00:00 http://www.africancichlids.net/forums/index.php?t=rview&goto=9928&th=1956#msg_9928
]]> Malawi Mother 2008-07-06T16:22:01-00:00 http://www.africancichlids.net/forums/index.php?t=rview&goto=9927&th=1956#msg_9927 ]]> Malawi Mother 2008-07-06T16:21:25-00:00 http://www.africancichlids.net/forums/index.php?t=rview&goto=9926&th=1956#msg_9926 Not a good image but the next one is better

]]> Malawi Mother 2008-07-06T16:10:47-00:00 http://www.africancichlids.net/forums/index.php?t=rview&goto=8977&th=1292#msg_8977 The fish appears to be very small but has some pretty large eggspots.

I have attached a picture of a young piebald and you can clearly see the difference.]]> patrickeriksson 2008-03-07T17:29:00-00:00 http://www.africancichlids.net/forums/index.php?t=rview&goto=8819&th=1732#msg_8819
Glad you found a club in your area. They look well organized and a lot of fun.]]> Gass 2008-02-22T00:40:37-00:00 http://www.africancichlids.net/forums/index.php?t=rview&goto=8816&th=1732#msg_8816 ]]> Malawi Mother 2008-02-21T17:09:31-00:00 http://www.africancichlids.net/forums/index.php?t=rview&goto=8812&th=1732#msg_8812 Squidoo'd the above... please go see it!]]> LeeAnn 2008-02-21T01:10:48-00:00 http://www.africancichlids.net/forums/index.php?t=rview&goto=8734&th=1735#msg_8734
I mean I thought it was just the red belly that determined whether they were male or not. Does that mean the female can't have any red on her at all?]]> Malawi Mother 2008-02-13T18:04:38-00:00 http://www.africancichlids.net/forums/index.php?t=rview&goto=8733&th=1735#msg_8733

they are not the greatest pics. They just move around so much so fast.]]> Malawi Mother 2008-02-13T17:28:13-00:00 http://www.africancichlids.net/forums/index.php?t=rview&goto=8732&th=1735#msg_8732 ]]> Malawi Mother 2008-02-13T17:26:40-00:00 http://www.africancichlids.net/forums/index.php?t=rview&goto=8731&th=1735#msg_8731 ]]> Malawi Mother 2008-02-13T17:26:01-00:00 http://www.africancichlids.net/forums/index.php?t=rview&goto=8730&th=1735#msg_8730
I had a really hard time getting pics of them but got some video and in a few days after the video is filled, I will get some pics off that, they should be better. But in the mean time I was hoping to show atleast thier colors.
]]> Malawi Mother 2008-02-13T17:24:53-00:00 http://www.africancichlids.net/forums/index.php?t=rview&goto=8721&th=1732#msg_8721
I am very proud of my home aquarium society the Hill Country Cichlid Club. This is a little more than a group of friends who simply enjoy the hobby. We are in a good part of the country with a strong brotherhood of other aquarium clubs including the Texas Cichlid Association, Houston Aquarium Society, and Oklahoma Aquarium Association. We all operate under an umbrella organization called the Federation of Texas Aquarium Societies (F.O.T.A.S). Other areas of the country have similar organized structure. Our little area contains a high concentration of people who enjoy the cichlids from in and around Lake Victoria. Most cichlid aquarists are aware to some degree of the problems associated with Lake Victoria and the endemic cichlids there. In a nutshell, there are a number of man made problems that have been occurring in the area for decades. The end result is that many of the 600+ species (estimates at 200) that inhabit the great lake have gone extinct and many more are in peril of suffering a similar fate. There has to be something that we as hobbyists can do collectively to protect the fish we are captivated by from this region.

In January of 2008, The HCCC members were treated to a talk by the premier scientist concentrating on the cichlids from Lake Victoria, Dr. Les Kaufman. In his talk, Dr. Kaufman expressed his frustration in that many of the perils in the region could be rectified if only people would take serious notice in the situation. He explained how a little money in the right hands could create a huge difference. Dr. Kaufman introduced us to a former graduate student of his, Dr. William Ojwang. Dr. Ojwang is a research scientist with the Kenya Marine and Fisheries Research Institute in Kisumu Kenya. Dr. Kaufman explained how Dr. Ojwang had begun purchasing aquariums to be used in the schools of the region. These aquariums hold native fish from Lake Victoria and are used as an educational tool showing the children what beautiful creatures live in the massive lake. Educating the people populating the region is a major step forward to the eventual goal of saving the native fauna. Dr. Ojwang is making a huge impact with very little money. If he had more capital to work with, one could only speculate what could be done. The Hill Country Cichlid Club is taking this opportunity to "change the world" very seriously. What makes this different from any other charity? Dr. Kaufman has set up a currency transfer to seamlessly send funds to Dr Ojwang. There is no administration fees, no hands involved in money distribution, just one man, who knows better than anyone, where funds could be best spent. We are presently involved in fund raising to support this fantastic cause. This is just the beginning and we hope to have a website up soon to keep the world abreast of our efforts.

The support that has been relayed in such a short period of time has been outstanding. From the Association of Zoos and Aquariums (AZA), Moody Gardens are exploring ways to become involved as are other institutions. It's my hope that the aquarium hobby can lead the way with fund raising for this cause. We have a phenomenal role model to follow. The B.I.T.C.H.'s (Babes in the Cichlid Hobby) have been highly successful in their efforts involving cichlid conservation. If we could enjoy just a fraction what their efforts yield, a huge impact could be made. I would like to call on all organizations, local, regional and national, to generate efforts aimed at supporting this project. The first venture of the Hill Country Cichlid Club involved members donating items to our February auction. We were able to net over $400.00 to the cause with little effort.

As many of you are aware, the C.A.R.E.S. (Conservation Awareness Recognition Encouragement Support) program is involved with cichlid conservation. Under the guidance of Claudia Dickinson, we hope to integrate the Kenyan institutions with schools in the United States that have already initiated a curriculum that includes the maintaining and breeding of endangered cichlid species, many from the Victorian Basin. The Aqua Havens project has been a huge success thus far and will be our first US school involved in exchanging dialogue with their Kenyan counterpart.

Aside from the good feeling of helping to make real progress with the situation in Lake Victoria, what's in this for the cichlid hobbyist? There are hundreds of beautiful cichlids Lake Victoria that have never made it into the hobby. This is a shame as these fish make ideal aquarium residents. They are relatively small, extremely colorful, and most take well to living in captive conditions. What a tragic loss it would be if more of these animals were to sink into oblivion without us ever having a chance to enjoy them. So long as they are being maintained by someone, and hopefully propagated, there is always a chance these fish will make it into the aquarium trade. These students are the next generation of caretakers for this region. If enough children are educated in the pitfalls of what destructive activities holds for their precious waters, they will be the ones to innate reforestation, sustained fisheries, industrial pollution accountability and a host of other problems the region sees today. This is our best chance.

It is said to take one step at a time. That being the case, the first step is doing what is needed for Dr. Ojwang to continue his efforts. There are other associates in Tanzania and Uganda who share Dr. Ojwang's vision and are willing to do what they can to make a difference in their countries as Dr. Ojwang has in his. The exchange of information between the African and Western schools will enhance the educational experience of students in both regions. This is a win-win situation for all parties involved. There exists a ready made infrastructure for the exchange of funds and information. We the hobbyists are the fuel that can really make this run. I urge you, the individual, the club, the regional and national organization, to make this happen. If any additional information is required, please contact any of the people listed below.


Relevant websites
Hill Country Cichlid Club http://www.hillcountrycichlidclub.com
C.A.R.E.S. http://www.carespreservation.com
Aqua Havens http://www.washingtonpost.com/wp-dyn/content/article/2003/04 /03/AR2005041902661.html


Contacts
Greg Steeves gsteeves@gvtc.com
JB Edmunston JOJBEDMUND@AOL.COM
Claudia Dickinson ivyrose@optonline.net
]]> Gass 2008-02-12T03:57:18-00:00 http://www.africancichlids.net/forums/index.php?t=rview&goto=8510&th=1691#msg_8510
I'm not so sure these are sp. 35. You might want to check Paralabidochromis sp. 'fire".]]> Gass 2008-01-17T17:35:07-00:00