Fantastic Book of West African Cichlids

Hemichromis fasciatus fry are growing very nicely. They are starting to develop that olive green coloration in the chin and lower belly with a slight hint of that cranberry red in the operculum. I came across a new book which is a great addition to any cichlid book collection. The book is titled: The Cichlid Fishes of Western Africa by Anton Lamboj. A must for the West African cichlid hobbyist.

new Hemichromis fasciatus photo

H. fasciatus fry have grown to 3 inches now and have become chunky. They eat constantly and beg for food much like young oscars.

Cool Cichlid Classified website tody

I found a cool Cichlid Classified website, its called: http://www.justcichlids.com/ and it has H. fasciatus fry for sale too! Check it out, its free to use.

Hemichromis fasciatus update

The H. fasciatus have doubled in size since acquiring them. A few comments thus far on this species, yes they are as aggressive as their reputation. I have lost one due to intraspecific aggression and intolerance of each other. So, I have decided to raise them separately and will introduce them to each other at a later time. Interesting observation about fin damage, this species constantly nips at the caudal fins of other fish. In addition one of the H. fasciatus had a large bit taken out of its dorsal fin (note the front of the dorsal - see picture) ; however, after a few weeks in isolation the dorsal fin has completely regenerated with no sign of damage.

Hemichromis fasciatus fry

Here is a photograph I took today. Note some of the fry have five spots on the sides while others have a horizontal solid bar runnig across the body. These Hemichromis fasciatus fry and constanting begging for food. In addition they are nipping at each others fins. I am lowering the temperature some what and will be adding some other fish to the tank, preferrably dither fish to counteract the intraspecific aggression.

Acquired Hemichromis fasciatus fry

November 16, 2007 - Acquired 5 one inch Hemichromis fasciatus fry. These fry are housed in a 40 gallan tank. The temperature is 78 degrees. Water changes are weekly at 50 percent. These fry are fed several different types of cichlid pellets.