~ffi() () § = = ",,~rdl~y ~ CDDCD 0 DO ~ TOTAL TROPICAL Volume 24, #3 June 1995 PREMIUM FLAKE FOOD I
TOTAL TROPICAL Wardley Total Tropical is the ulti mate freshwater flake food, created to provide an extraordinary diet that considers not only your fishes health of today, but their nutritional needs for tomorrow. Better meta bolic responses, faster attraction to the food, brilliant color and im I pmved overall health and vitality are only a few of the benefits of feeding Total· Tropical as your everyday staple food. Total Tropi cal begins where all other staple foods leave oH.
QUALITY PRODUCTS FOR THE AUSTRALIAN FISHKEEPER AUSTRALIA'S PREMIER BRAND U'etOft&1t et'elt//d &e/ettj lite REGISTERED BY AUSTRALIA POST - PP342780/0024 I Cichlid Scene 2 Editorial 3 A ~ Minutes of Previous Meeting 4 CJ To Salt or Not to Salt: Saline Salience for the Non-Chemist .. 6-9 ~ S()l'(;I~ Dent~ion and Feeding g '('IIIS in the Cichlids of the Great Lakes of Africa .. .. 10-19 ~ Rowemin' 'Round 19 Jawlockings 22 ~ I~()lllll~Nl' Your Own Aquarium Without the Work 24 On a Lighter Note #2 .. 24 ~ • Life Members: Graham Rowe, Heinz Staude, Kevin Archibald, Keith Patford, Danny Genovese. Honorary Members: Max Davenport, Or Angus Martin. Committee Members: President John McCormick (059) 443502 Vice-President Lynda Haymes 98882183 Secretary Graham Rowe 95607472 Editor Daryl Hutchins 9872 3225 Treasurer Steve Young 9379 6820 Social Secretary Helen Rowe 95607472 Librarian Scot1 Haymes 98882183 Show Secretary Travis Hingston 98856818 Trading Table John Reeves 9803 4109 Maurice Breward 97522103 Committee-at-Iarge [ Kevin Archibald 9782 1258 Aussie Magnussen 95462974 Jann Reeves 9803 4109 Facsimiles 9872 3225 / 9560 7028
Reprints © Copyright, Victorian Cichlid Society Incorporated 1995. Anyone wishing to reprint material from any edition of 'The Cichlid Monthly' in their regular club magazine (not other publications which are sold), may do so (unless the article itself carries a copyright notice) provided due credit is given to the author and 'TCM' and one copy of the relevant publication is forwarded to the author, care of the Secretary. Enquiries re the use of material in any other publications may also be directed to: THE SECRETARY VICTORIAN CICHLlD SOCIETY INC cI- 23 Mangana Drive, Mulgrave, Victoria, Australia 3170 SUPPORT OUR ADVERTISERS THEVARE.SUPPORTING YOU THE NEXT MEETING will be hold Oil FrldllY, ~I JlIne 1995, at 8.00 pm sharp TCM rides again! Well, at least for the next three ~ months or so. Most of the committee voted to dig ~ (trading table and library OPOII ullrllor) ot the Courtyard Room, Nunawading Civic Centre, Whitellor:;o RO(lu, Mitcham. Supper will be deep and come up with the hard-to-come-bys from their own pockets so that this partaken of after the meeting. Visitors, of OOllr:;o, are always welcome. magazine is able to continue on a monthly basis at least for the time being. While this is not something I would like to see happening a lot -- ~ is a refreshing hint of the spirit that ~ MINI TALK: Home Show Post-Mortem used to be a trademark of the Victorian Cichlid Society, but sadly took a sabbatical some MAIN TALK: 'Cyathopharynx furcifer' -- John Reeves ~ years ago. ~ DOOR PRIZES: Courtesy of OSI. Yes the ball is rolling and now ~'s your turn to add a little impetus -- every I~tle bit helps. ~ DRAW PRIZES: 1. Rhododendron Obviously we need a change of direction, more members, and a better cash-flow 2. Frozen Food -- courtesy of Aquavell. situation. This will benefit the society as a whole, not just the magazine, although most § 3. Plonk people would agree that the magazine is the flagship and (next to cichlids) focal-point of TABLE SHOW: K.A. Show =Angels and Discus. the society. You (yes you) can help in some way -- extol the virtues of fish-keeping and § club-membership at every opportunity; suggest to your boss that donations (of anything K.P. Show = African Riverine and Lake Victoria. useful, not just aquarium goods) are the very best PR available. Alms: The VCS was formed by cichlidophiles in March 1972 and thus became the first specialist One way in which you can help the society and have a good time is to bring a few aquarist group in the Stale of Victoria. Its main aims are: friends to the next social evening such as the one held recently at the Mulgrave Country 1. To promote the keeping of cichlids; Club. With more participation, these events could be used to generate funds. Some of my 2. To gain and disseminate knowledge of cichlids, their habits and attributes through the use of slides, outlaws were invited to the inaugural MCC soiree -- they had a ball and said that they films, books, lectures, practical demonstrations, local and overseas magazines, articles by members would not hesitate to go again (next time we will prise a few shekels out of them before and discussions with fellow members or experts in the field; they hit the pokies). 3. To assist, in any way possible, the establishment ancVor maintenance of approved public aquaria; 4. To be involved in the education of the general public with regard to the benefits of fishkeeping STOP PRESS: Someone has been sneaking a look at my editorial again -- a date for (particularly cichlids), and the potentially harmful effects of animal mismanagement; the next Mulgrave Country Club evening has been announced by our inimitable social 5. To promote fellowship between members; secretary, Helen Rowe. Mark down Monday, 26 June as booked-out and be there at 6.45 6. To further the conservation of species and their natural habitats; pm. The cost will be $15 per two persons and covers main meals and all the gas-bagging 7. To further the identification, distribution, breeding, maintenance and enjoyment of species in the Family Cichlidae. you can handle. If you don't like talking all that much you can always go into the gaming room and win a fortune. Disclaimer: The opinions expressed herein are those of the authors, and are not necessarily those of the Editor of TCM or the committee of the Victorian Cichlid Society Incorporated. Communication on Amanda Genovese has offered her talents/been seconded/railroaded (I'm not really subjects raised is encouraged. sure) as a fund-raiser --look out Mr Treasurer! I have no doubt that she will be happy to take on-board any suggestions/offers of help. Amanda's name has been added to the Standing Sub-Committees Sub-Committee List on page 2 along w~h her telephone number. Accommodation: Daryl Hutchins (c), Danny Genovese, Lynda Haymes, John Reeves, Graham Rowe. Breeders Achievement Awards: John Reeves (c). You can all help the society by encouraging people you know w~h an interest in fish to Species Maintenance: John Reeves (c), Seott Haymes, Graham Rowe. join the society; invite them to come as visitors; enter the table show so that visitors will Handbook: Daryl Hutchins (c), Graham Rowe. have something interesting to look at (it's not just about winning trophies you know); Constitution: Daryl Hutchins (c), Graham Rowe. donate to the mini-auction (don't listen to anyone who irrplies that low prices are insulting Fund-raising: Amanda Genovese (c) _. 9527 2546. -- that's too silly for words). There are so many ways that you can make a difference -- the first step is to stop sitting on your hands. - OPEN FISH HOUSE Jeff Staude faxed me one of those committee definition things he felt that he really must share: "Committee: a group of men (sic) who individually can do nothing, but as a Lynda rand himindoors1 will be opening up the Ashwood group decide that nothing can be done" -- Fred Alien (1894-1956). I have always Annexe of fhe Haymes Cichlid Empire at preferred: "Camel: a horse designed by a committee" -- Anon. The Ship of the Desert 5 WUGGA COURT. ASHWOOD Committee even had to put two alternative designs into production, obviously to appease ~ on S~: ..~';, 25th June, from 12 noon till late two factions within its ranks. +cl'· ::: DON'T MISS THIS ONE - IT'S PROBABLV YOUR LAST CHANCE ~~ Minutes of the Previous General Meeting The meeting opened at 8.08 with the president in the chair. He welcomed all visitors and members. In response to the president's question, everyone present stated that they had received their magazine. Apologies were received from Oanny Genovese, Keith Patford, Maurice and Kathy Breward, and Aart Langelaar. Minutes of the "April" meeting were taken as read on a motion moved by Jeffrey Staude and seconded by Carl Bentin. Treasurer's report: Opening balance (March 95) 92.10 Income 620.15 Expenditure 313.86 March closing balance! April opening balance 398.39 Income 50.00 Expenditure 185.00 Closing balance 263.39 Building fund term deposit 15,303.59 Report received on a motion moved by Aussie Magnussen and seconded by John Reeves. Correspondence: Phil Reynolds Renewal The Hawkins family Renewal Jeff Farrer BAA claim City of Whitehorse Credit note for April Animal Lovers Expo Information on Expo ACA Letter re life membership Oept of Conservation & Nat Res Allowable imports Exchange magazines (including authors copies) Accepted on motion moved by Kevin Archibald and seconded by Jeffrey Staude. The president mentioned that the banner Kevin Archibald donated to the club has gone missing. Could we all please have a look for it. Home show entries to Steve Young. He also announced that fishhouse nights had been organised for June (Lynda Haymes) and July (Evalife). We will try for two more before the end of the year including another shop in September. Position with costing of magazine explained. Some ideas put forward in discussion to be investigated. More input invited before the committee meeting. FRESHWATER FISH SPECIALIST Mulgrave Country Club social night was hailed as a great night and Helen Rowe thanked those who attended and helped make it so memorable. John Reeves narrowly defeated Graeme Moulden in the quiz. Lynda Haymes thanked for the questions. Graham Rowe spoke on setting-up a home show tank while showing Seott Haymes's NOW OPEN 6 DAYS video of last year's efforts. After a short break, John Reeves was presented with a certifi TUESDAY and WEDNESDAY 10.30 6.00 PM cate for the first VCS breeding of Neolamprologus buescheri. A mini auction was then held. Thanks to donors: Aussie Magnussen, Syd Solch and Helen Rowe. THURSDAY and FRIDAY 10.30 9.00 PM Graham Rowe then conducted a brief slide quiz (won, of course, by the "good-looking" SATURDAY 9.00 6.00 PM team, Group Two -- Ed). John Reeves then spoke on SMC. List updated as per Perth Cichlid Society's cichlid register. Copies printed in Perth and sent to us. Perth setting-up SUNDAY 10.00 6.00 PM quarantine station -- another possible source of new blood. All members should get a copy of cichlid register soon. 3 OLSEN ST, FRANKSTON Travis Hingston presented 1st Prize ribbon in the table show to Carl Bentin. Draw prize: 1st, Book -- Lynda Haymes; 2nd, Aquavell Frozen Food -- Kevin Archibald; 3rd, Wine- Phone 783 2204 Lynda Haymes; 4th, Chocolates -- Dave Thorn. Door prizes, courtesy of Pet and Aquarium Industries were presented to: Carl Bentin, Sean-Paul Smith, Helen Rowe, Dave TRADE-INS OF LIVESTOCK WELCOME Thorn, Syd Solch. The meeting adjourned for supper at 10.31. ~~~~~i.~~"'l1..~. Table One: Salt concentrations of From 'Cichlidae Communique' #62, September/October 1990 Lake Tanganyikan water as reported by Brichard. Lake Tanganyi Salt Amount To Salt or Not to Salt: Saline ka' by Pierre Brichard. Bri Sodium carbonate N~SO. 125 chard quotes Potassium chloride KCI 60 the original Li C0 Salience for the Non-Chemist Lithium carbonate 2 3 4 scientific study Calcium carbonate CAC03 30 (Poll, M. 1956. Magnesium Resultats sci MgC0 144 By Kevin Kelly carbonate 3 entifique Expl Sodium silicate N~Sio. 13.5 Fasc 5b) with Aluminium out, u nfort u RECENTLY moved from Dixon sulphate AI2(SOJ3 • 18Hp 5 I nately, informing Potassium sulphate K2S0.i 4 to Sacramento, California with a us of the condi Sodium sulphate Na SU. 1 concomitant change in water tions and loca Ferric chloride FeCI3• 6Hp .5 conditions; from 1300 to 50 ppm tions from which Sodium phosphate Na3PO.· 12Hp .4 total dissolved solids. 6 the samples Potassium nitrate KN03 .5 C:::~I -~ were taken. Units are parts/million (ppm or mgIl). The water available to me is ob Thus, the aim of ~'~"~'$m_~••,~"'%
lower pH than Na C0 (pH 8.3 versus [sic)) of my Tanganyikans such as the ion concentrations found in Table 2 3 Please note that the salt amounts 11.6 respectively). Ca/lochromis macrops macrops, Xeno Two, the actual salts used will be that are listed in Table Three are The real value of formulating water immaterial. tilapia f1avipinnis and Cyprichromis weight:volume, not volume:volume. of similar ionic concentration to that of leptosoma. Such changes lend im itM~~~~@1tWf:~*Jt&mHm@~!nWtt~~tl~~lr@lliH::t.?;tiJ.tI&~:tlwnMmrrmt~ Using these ratios presupposes the Lake Tanganyika involves the health mediate support to the argument that Table Two: Ion concentrations of use of water with little or no dissolved of the fish we keep. Given the recent these fish will do best in water that water from Lake Tanganyika as solids. In my case, the water already availability of many new species (sigh closely resembles that of their origin. contains 50 ppm CaC0 , supplied by reported by Brichard. 3 -- Ed), it is certainly a worthwhile en Finally, while it is difficult to argue my local water authority, so I don't use Cation Anion deavor for the hobbyist to provide his the successes of some aquarists, the this salt. Readers are advised to check or her (Tanganyikan) fish with water use of other schemes which in effect with their local authority for the chemi K+ 32.68 194.99 essentially identical to that of Lake create similar measurable hardness cO/ cal content of the water in their area, Mg+2 41.0 6.05 Tanganyika. via entirely different concentrations will SO/ and make adjustments accordingly. Na+ 54.62 PO-3 0.06 Formulating my water as listed have some physiological effect on our Ca+ 12.0 NaO 9.0 ~~Dm]H~X~t1.%¥illMUffHtm1t1W&IM.1mmM~~irel¥tf.1mfJW@mN;~ above has led to brighter coloration charges. Whether this effect is in fact Li+ 0.76 CI 28.52 Table Three: Salts used to formulate and an increase in "frisky" deportment harmful, or merely of neutral conse AI+3 0.41 Tanganyikan water. (the little bastards are a lot hornier quence, only further studies will reveal. Fe+J 0.1 app dry meas NaSiO+ 4.5 Satt mgtl per 40 Itlres UnRs are ppm (mgII).
~~~~~'Wzrr~tf&11~~~~1t«tWJt{it~.lt.W$f£¥Emt1@ Magnesium carbonate 144.0 2 T The practical value of the above Sodium carbonate 82.4 0.75 tsp BVPUBLIC arg.ument is that when making Potassium carbonate 78.0 0.5 tsp Tanganyikan water, we can choose Sodium chloride 47.1 0.25 tsp salts which will provide the proper ion Calcium carbonate 30.0 0.25 tsp Sodium silicate 13.5 1 tsp DEMAND! concentrations for the least cost. This is most practical when one discovers Aluminium sulphate 5.5 2 pinches A second niQl'!.t at the that technical potassium chloride (KCI) Lithium carbonate 4.0 2 pinches MULGRAVE COuNTRY CLUB costs around $US157 for five pounds Potassium sulphate 4.0 2 pinches (2.27 kg), or $US50.00 for just one Sodium sulphate 1.0 1 pinch has been arranged for pound (0.45 kg). Femc chloride 0.5 1 pinch Monday 26 June at 6.45 pm Sodium phosphate 0.4 1 pinch Corner Wellington and Jells roads, Mulgrave {opposite AFL Park} For instance: to create a solution T =tablespoon tsp = teaspoon pinch =consult good cookbook Drinks from the bar at club prices and pokles for those who are so containing Na+, K+, CO-2 and CI- ions, ~a~:t~1~~~~~$~Y~)'t~lt§~1~~¥t1~~m~y.~wzA~t.~~t~~A'X%N~tn¥Kmtt inclined - what more could you ask for ... fish talk? You got it! instead of using technical KCI, one Salts such as NaCI, NaHC0 and can substitute K C0 ($US24.00 per 3 $7.50 per head 2 3 MgS04(common salt, sodium bicarbo five pounds) to obtain K+, and NaCI nate and epsom salt respectively) are (covers maIn course from SpecIal Menu) ($US17.95 per 50 pounds [22.68 kg]- often used to manipulate hardness Help the Society and enjoy yourself at the same time! I use Marine Environments Sea Salt and pH to a range similar to that of BRING A FRIEND RSVP 9560 7472 by 19th May for the trace elements) to obtain the Lake Tanganyika. Manipulating water CI-, and then reduce the amount of hardness and pH in this manner will Nai!C03 until the proper ion ratio is invariably introduce other ions (ie: acnieved. Table Three shows the S04) into solution at concentrations weights of salts (chosen for their inconsistent with their concentrations availability and low cost) which can be found in the lake. Furthermore, an used to make Tanganyikan water at aqueous solution of NaHC03 has a home. much lower pH, and this buffers at a Dentition and Feeding in the Cichlids of the Great Lakes of Africa
Whilst conical teeth are the sim By Steve Fletcher intimately related to the type of food plest, with their tips ending in a single and method of feeding. point or cusp, divided at most by only THERE ARE a very large number The tooth-type, apart from varying a small depression, they also include of cichlid fishes in lakes Malawi from species to species, may also vary some of the more bizarre shapes from juvenile to adult within the same and Tanganyika. Although these which look like "tongues on sticks". species. An example of this is Chi/o Conical teeth are found in fishes such lakes cover a large surface area - ti/apia rhoadesii, whose jaw shape as the Lamprologines, Telmatochromis 29,500 and 34,000 square kilo also varies with age. In the juvenile, and Eretmodus. metres respectively -- the area the lower jaw is elongated, while in an inhabited by the cichlids is adult it is far more spread out with the relatively small in proportion. They teeth less protuberant -- indicating per are largely confined to the rocky haps, a large change of diet during its and sandy shorelines within a lifetime. narrow depth-range, or are pelagic, covering large areas (in open waters) near the surface. The greater depths of the lakes are unsuitable for their inhabitation due to the low oxygen and light levels that restrict the lifeforms upon which they feed. To fit such a large number of differ ent species into such a competitive area, each species has evolved into a
"niche" I which cuts down the competi tion it faces and allows it to survive and reproduce. Reproduction and mobility are a couple of aspects of this, but the items Bicuspid teeth I intend to discuss at greater length in this article are dentition and feeding. Bicuspid teeth have their tips di There are three main types of teeth, vided into two largely distinct points. conical (or unicuspid), bicuspid and They can have two flat tips, two tricuspid. The teeth within these pointed tips, or a combination of both. groups can not always be separated Some fish with bicuspid teeth are: Au into their types easily, as there is a lonacara nyassae, Pseudotropheus Conical (Unicuspid) teeth Tricuspid teeth great deal of variance within each fuscus and Tilapia ni/otica. grouping. The tooth-types are Tricuspid teeth have three points forward and back, while the lower that are ideally suited to the crushing the fish according too their feeding and have a large variety of shapes, bones move up and down, causing the of snail shells. preferences, which can be categorised some rounded-over and turned down, food to be crushed or torn. Like teeth, Teeth are by no meals the be-all as follows. others like a cloverleaf, and yet others the pharyngeal bones differ greatly and end-all of the fishes' feeding with a large central flat area and two according to diet. The bones of an mechanism. Inseparable are the jaw Phyfoplankton-feeders small points on either side. algae-eater are not particularly thick - types, mouth shapes, manoeuvrability, tending to be covered with many small Unicuspid and bicuspid teeth are gillrakers, just to mention a few. The teeth do not play a large part in teeth curved backwards. Similar teeth the feeding habits of fish utilising this largely possessed by the piscivores occur on both upper and lower Having discussed some of the and scale-eaters. They are often for food source. The algae are mostly pharyngeal bones, causing a very physical means of collecting their food, sucked-in while breathing or grubbing ward-pointing to assist in the holding effective raking and combing action. ) I will select a few species which I hope and cutting of their prey, as with Au around on the bottom. The main part lonaeara nyassae which uses them to of food selection is done by the gill pick small insects and crustaceans rakers, which are fine combs that from the rocks. sieve-out the edible particles. Bicuspid teeth appear to be the most Algae consists of small single cells common -- possessed by sand-diggers, with a hard, indigestible casing which algae-scrapers and some zooplankton may be crushed by the bones of the feeders, plant-scrapers and leaf pharyngeal mill, or diatoms which have choppers. a silica casing with many small pores that enable the algae to be readily di Tricuspid teeth are usually found in gested when in the intestine. It has deposit-feeders where the teeth are been suggested that some Haplo small. They are used for raking and chromis secrete a mucus which helps scraping the small fragments of sedi trap the algae. mented planktonic algae. Some fish that are phytoplankton A lot of the cichlids found in lakes eaters are Tilapia niloUea and Tilapia Malawi and Tanganyika have more grahami. than one type of teeth. Pseudotropheus tropheus has b i cuspid, tricuspid and conical teeth. Deposit-feeders .. i The bicuspids are found on the outer These fish are very similar to the lip area of the jaw and are used for Cyrtoeara moorii phytoplanktonic feeders, but feed from cropping the algal mat. The inner row Picture: AOSS FEllX algal material and detritus which has of teeth are tricuspid and are used for sunk to the bottom of the lake. Such breaking down and grinding of the Fish-eaters have other require will be familiar to us in Australia and detritus includes hippopotamus drop outer cells of algae. Along the side of try to show to what use they put their pings which has a high bacteria and the upper jaw there are several large ments. These bones are armed with fewer and stronger teeth, pointed teeth. protozoa content. The jaws of these conical teeth which are used to sever fish are usually lined with several rows backwards, with sharp tips suited to For the sake of convenience, things the algae readily at its edge. of small, numerous, tricuspid teeth. gripping and forcing down a larger, are separated into nice tidy groupings. In addition to teeth, the fish possess struggling meal. These teeth are also As I have shown, to group these fish Tilapia nilotiea is a phytoplankton pharyngeal bones which are armed suited for rasping and tearing the by their teeth-types does not leave us and deposit-feeder, showing how hard with very fine or very flat teeth that are flesh. with a clear division. One other way of it is to separate species which overlap used to comb or crush their food. The The mollusc-eaters have very heavy trying to find an order is to try to group in their habits. upper pharyngeal bones move mostly pharyngeal bones, with large, flat teeth Gephyrochromis moorii has been mouth is open. It is then closed, with very firm. The teeth consist of several most Tropheus from Lake Tanganyika. seen feeding on detritus, but is also an the lower jaw moving to the upper jaw rows, the outermost of which are stout One of the more interesting is Labeo algae-scraper. -- sometimes several times. The large, and bicuspid, while the inner ones are tropheus fuel1ebomi and its close rela conical teeth at the sides of the upper small and tricuspid. The cusps of each tive L. trewavasae. Both fish have their jaw are used to cut through the Aufwuchs-eaters or of the teeth in the outer jaws are of mouth ventrally located (on the bot Algae-scrapers scraped-up algae. This is a very effec equal size. Food is removed from the tom) so that as they swim it can be tive method and even the most stub This is the largest of the groupings rocks in single nips or nips in quick easily pressed against the rocks. The born algae is removed. and contains a lot of fish that will be succession, often with a twist of the teeth have broad tips in a line across familiar to us in Australia. Pseudo Pseudotropheus zebra has a much head and body to help remove stub the mouth. Each tooth is curved with a tropheus tropheops, P. zebra and larger and more movable mouth than born growths. As can be seen, this broad tip that "scoops as it scrapes" . (now rare in Australia) P. fuscus. P. tropheops, with similar dentition, but takes in yet another area of the same Feeding is accomplished with a series These three all collect the same food, has the inner row of tricuspid teeth food source ("aufwuchs") eaten by of nibbles while moving forward and but go about it in different ways, with longer and more widely spaced. There Pseudotropheus zebra and P. trophe pressing the mouth to the rock. This is different jaw-shapes and teeth. are only four or five rows per jaw. ops. Although living in the same habi a very efficient scraping and chiselling tat, it is a good example of these fish and removes even the most stubborn Pseudotropheus tropheops has When pressed against the rock, the eating and living together, but using algae. eight rows of teeth, the outer rows are mouth is moulded into shape -- when it bicuspid, the inner rows are tricuspid, is closed, it combs the algae. This is their specialisations to find their niche in the same overcrowded biotope. the teeth are very numerous and repeated in quick succession and perlphyfon-collectors close-set. Also, at the side of each tends to remove only the less firmly Other algae-scrapers are Pseudo This means that the fish feeds on upper jaw are several large, conical attached algae. tropheus Iivingstonii, P. auratus and algae growing on or around plants. A teeth. To collect their food the jaws are Pseudotropheus fuscus has a specialised feeder is Hemitilapia OXY placed against the algal mat while the mouth that is rounded in front and is rhynchus which feeds on the algae A VARIETY growing on vallisneria. It has a long OF FOOD snout and a wide spade-like jaw with four rows of teeth, the outermost of All Aquarium & Pet Supplies P/L Keeps Your Fish which are set at angles so that the Happy and Healthy leading-edge of each tip lies inside the (Cichlidarium) rear edge of the tooth in front, forming 8 Dunoon Crt, Mulgrave, Vic 3170 a broad scraping surface. To scrape (off Police Road) the leaves Hemitilapia oxyrhynchus turns on its side and nibbles the We specialise in blades of vallisneria between its jaws, CICHlIDS. NATIVES. KILLlFISH. MARINES removing the algae without damaging and all other rare species. the plant. EVERYTHING FOR THE AQUARIUM Leaf-choppers Phone: (03) 546 1025 Most fish that use this food source Business hours: have similar dentition, such as Haplo Man-Sat 9 am-7 pm; Sunday 11 am-5 pm. chromis similis, which has an outer Wednesday Closed. row of strong bicuspid teeth that form AQUAVELL a cutting edge, and four or five rows of FROZEN FOOD small tricuspid teeth for gripping. The PACKAGED AND PRODUCED BY KIEBODY leaf is stripped with the tricuspids and Victoria's First and Original Cichlid Centre PTY LTO AUSTRALIA severed with the larger bicuspid teeth. The leaf is broken-down by the pharyngeal bones before being coarsely toothed to assist in the crush passed to the stomach for digestion. ing of its insect prey. be suited to picking insects from the lined with sharp, bicuspid teeth inside rocks. It has also adapted further to which are five rows of short tricuspid Fishes with this feeding pattern Lethrinops furcifer has asha r p moving around in schools of up to 100 teeth forming a surface like a file. The make up a large percentage of those snout with the lower jaw somewhat -- unlike the Pseudotropheus it upper jaw, when opened, is at right cultured for food production in ponds pointed. It feeds by jabbing its mouth resembles, which are almost solitary angles to the lower and when pressed as they can be fed readily available and head into the sand, and then with by comparison. against the scales of another fish, the and cheap vegetable matter. drawing it and sifting the sand and scale is prised off and swallowed. insects through its opercular opening. Scale-eaters Mollusc-feeders Another specialist is Hap/ochromis The raspers, of which Corematodus euchi/us which has large, fleshy lobes There might not appear to be much shiranus of Lake Malawi is an exam The soft parts of snails or molluscs nutritional value in eating scales, but ple, take smaller scales from the cau contain a highly nutritious source of on its lips that are used to detect in sects by touch. there is enough for nine known spe dal fins of cichlids and have both jaws food. There are fish armed with heavy cies to use this form of food-gathering. armed with a series of small file-like, pharyngeal bones and powerful jaws Zooplankton-feeders Scale-eating can be divided into two pointed teeth. that can crush the shells. There are methods: the biting type and the rasp also those that have a more special This feeding group is called the ing type. Of the former, Genyochromis ised approach, as in Hap/ochromis "Utaka". Zooplankton-feeders are mento of Lake Malawi, on first inspec Fin-biters sauvagei, which seizes the foot of the schooling fishes whose teeth are not tion appears to be a rock-scraper. But One of the smallest feeding groups, snail and then, using the shell as a very well developed. They have no a closer examination reveals that its contains Docimodus johnstoni and has fulcrum, levers-out the soft body. need for well-developed dentition be dentition is much more specialised. stout cutting teeth on heavy jaws. cause their food The lower jaw is very rigid and flat Genyochromis mento has also been gathering is done by across the front €'dge, the outer row is known to bite fins. the highly protrusible mouth, which is shot out toward their small prey with great speed, causing a great in rush of water and zoo plankton which is sieved-out by their gill rakers and, in most instances, swallowed whole. The eyesight of this
''';''''''' ~' ... group is very well- Au/onacara may/andi Pletur.:ROSSFEUX developed and they ------~-----appear to single-out the zooplankton specifically, rather than Insect-feeders use a hit-and-miss sucking approach. Au/onacara nyassae has a mouth which is protrusible. Each jaw is armed An oddity in this group is Cynoti/apia with an outer row of sharp, curved afra, which frequents the rocks, not conical teeth with inner rows of the open water, and has dentition smaller, inwardly curved conical teeth more closely related to the insect for holding the prey after it has been feeders than the Utaka. It has an outer seized. The lower pharyngeal bone is row of long, conical teeth which would 'lsclvores happy. Here is a brief description of a Every fish I have likes this mixture This is a large group of home-made mix that I have found very and they are all healthy. I also feed fishes, mostly frequenting successful. pellets and live gambusia. the open waters and 1 kg Redfish fillets (Nannygai) REFERENCES: distinguished by stream 2 pkts frozen spinach blocks lined, slender bodies. 4 medium boiled eggs 'The Cichlid Fishes of the Great Lakes of Africa' •. TFH. They also have large eyes 500 g frozen peas 'South African Journal of Zoology' - Vo118, #3. and mouths with sharp, 250 g frozen carrots 'Fishes of Lake Tanganyika'·· TFH. backward-pointing conical 100 g flake food 'Exotic Tropical Fishes' - TFH. teeth and sharp raking 'Fishes of Lake Kariba, Africa' - TFH. Thaw the frozen ingredients, put all 'Tropical Fish Hobbyisf -- various. teeth on their pharyngeal of them through a fine mincer and mix 'Freshwater and Marine Aquariums' _. various. bones. thoroughly. Add the flake food last until you have a stiff dough. Then add 100 Illustrations aMer Fryer and lies and/or redrawn Stealth plays a great from various sources. part in their hunting hab- " . " . grams of gelatine mixed in 250 ml of its, with these fish darting 'Haplochrom/s compress/ceps boiling water. Scoop about 150 grams Article first published in NSW -Cichlid Circular' in forward suddenly to con into a freezer bag, flatten and freeze. November 1986. sume their prey. Haplochromis gow- IEye-biter ersi seizes its quarry by the caudal Only Haplochromis compressiceps · " R d Welcome aboard. We have peduncle and holds it while the flesh is invites from warmer climes, rasped-off by the pharyngeal bones. has been credited with this form of RowemIn 0Un so you should feel better. The fish is then released, and now feeding. It has not been observed in Sunshine Coast AS is our first stopover in answer to the double invite in their March and April being unable to swim away and es the wild -- only from reports of local issues of 'Sunfish'. They are intrigued by Maggie McDonald's report in 'New Scientist' (28/8/87) fishermen -- but it has been recorded on 'Haplochromines: Bnght, Beautiful and Endangered'. It came via TCM, November 1992. Jelf cape, is swallowed head-first. Bilborough's observations in 'The Amateur Ichthyologist .- Notes on Feeding Fry' supplied a lot in aquaria. Haplochromis compressi of food for thought. This came via TCM, June 1993. From the same issue (of TCM) was Kevin Haplochromis compressiceps inhab ceps is mainly a piscivore and it is Archibald's 'It's a Jungle in There', which aroused a great deal of interest. Lynda Haymes's its the vallisneria beds, and by use of likely that eye-biting is only an extra to round-up of 'Fish Diseases' proved quite helpful. This too came from a TCM (undated). its very thin frontal profile, moves up its main diet. Do not let this deter you Canada is beautiful at this time of the year and Hamilton and District AS beckons via the slowly on its prey, which it then grabs from keeping this most beautiful of invite in their February 'Monthly Bulletin'. They are expecting us as they discuss Tracy Spain's tail-first and swallows. Africans in your tank -- just feed it well! 'Environmental Expressions of Cichlids' (another TCM original). Across America to Kitsap AS to answer another double invite •• March and April issues of I hope that this article has given you 'The Kitsap Aquarian'. Rich and Pat Coogan told us (and everybody else) all there is to know an insight into some of the needs and about 'Spawning the Blue-eyed Cichlid _. Cichlasoma spilurum'. Jennifer and Henry Wilkinson Egg. Embryo and Larva-eaters got mouths watering with their description of 'Spawning the Chocolate Angelfish'. habits of African cichlids that you may This is a largely un-researched and be keeping. With the restrictions that Double invites are all the rage. Southern Colorado AS sent us a double invite in their February and April issues of 'SCAS Journal'. These people really had us drooling. Sandy Van theoretical area. The surmise that apply to imports in this country it is Natta talks about 'My "Kilesa" '. Dave Ball explains all there is to know about 'Lethrinops there are a number of fish that survive vital that we learn all we can and put "Yellow -- Black Dorsal" '. Sharon S. Grover tells us about 'My Most Embarassing Moment, or ... on eating eggs and developing em this knowledge into practice to ensure Spawning Ophthalmotilapia ventralis "Orange Cap" '. What an embarrassment! Sandy Van bryos is borne out by the stomach the availability of these fish to future Natta talks about her experiences spawning "A Funny Uttle Fish" .- Spathodus erythrodon. contents of fish from Lake Victoria. hobbyists. Their diet is perhaps the Lefs sit back, relax and enjoy the MRIFL (Must Read In Flight Literature for first-flighters): How they arrive at a regular food sup major factor contributing to their Cichlid Evening Post April Great Lakes CS ;S\::::::::.. ply, given the highly protective nature All Cichlids Feb and Mar Michigan CA r . health, and healthy fish means breed Revue Francaise des Cichlidophiles May AFC of female mouthbrooders, is still un ing fish. Tucson Cichlid News Apnl and May Tucson CA known. But it does happen sufficiently to enable survival of this group of spe In conclusion, you can see that one cialists. type of food will not keep all Africans See you next flight ... Graham GOLDFISH TROPICAL FISH FERNTREE GULLY CICHLID SPECIALIST AQUARIUMS ASSORTED PLANTS ESTABLISHED 23 YEARS TRADING HOURS: Monday to Friday A Large range of Cichlids 10.30 -- 6.30 Tropicals and Saturday and Sunday Coldwater Fish 10.00 -- 5.30
BEN & MARY Phone: 888 5513 473 WHITEHORSE ROAD CNR BRENBEAL STREET PlBALWYN BALWYN 3103 AQUARIlJM
All accessories. Tanks made-up to OPEN ANY SHAPE or SIZE. 7DAVS Plants, Livefood, Rocks.
Any enquiries? Ring George -- 758 2044 . .' Lapis fOods are mllllufll(:tured in Germany using lho most Ildvance<1 pi~aged ~ loctlllology 10 guarantee quality , in most Illlractive. 63 Station Street, Ferntree Gully " and fresl1/less, . envlr~~U~.'ricod1y cans. '. :~: •., M ...... ,. """,,,"'.h'Y.~ .•.•..<.;;.: ...... _... ..