dl o o TOTAL ESSENTIAL NUTRITION

'wardlev '~wardle\' f'"rn .... ;(~ I ~ '''t' ,~., -, _ I tI f .. EJlLLt,1~ Ii.'ld ~ ii, ~ IL.l...Jl

CICHLID T·E·N™

THE MOST ADVANCED FLOATING PELLETS FOR YOUR . ALSO AVAILABLE IN: TROPICAL, GOLDFISH, KOI AND REPTILE FORMULAE. WARDLEY'S SINKING FORMULA PELLETS - STILL AVAILABLE ­ STILL THE BEST FOR BOTTOM FEEDERS, Volume 19, #3, $1 June 1990 QUALITY PRODUCTS FOR THE AUSTRALIAN FISH KEEPER ©u©llu~u@] ~u@UW AUSTRALIA'S PREMIER BRAND Wu©U@U'U(ID1Ji) JJIJi)©@~[j'(IDU@

Lake Tanganyika and its Cichlids 8-12 @

Haplochromis venustus 14-15 a 0'1< ~ Rowemin' 'Round 17-18 (J!jr) I Wardley's Table Show 19

Minutes of Previous Meeting 20

Volume 19, #3 - JUNE 1990 COMMITTEE FOR.1990-91 President AART LANGELAAR .. 783 5386 Ubrerian GLENN BRIGGS 725 3665 Vice-President DAVID THORN 7635576 Show Secretary KEN WHELAN 3742140 Secretary GRAHAM ROWE 5807472 Trading Table .... JOHN REEVES , " .. 2338736 Editor DARYL HUTCHINS 870 6284 JAN PORRITT . Facsimile 8704337 Committee- ROBBIESCOn 8242279 Treasurer KEITH PATFORD 7162425 At-large DANNY GENOVESE .. 527 2646 Social Secretary JENNY BRIGGS 725 3665 I scon HAYMES .. " .. 898 4870 LIFE MEMBERS GRAHAM ROWE HEINZ STAUDE KEVIN ARCHIBALD KEITH PATFORD

The Victoria Cicblid Society Inc, formed by Cicblidophiles in March 1972 and thus became the first specialist aqUMist group in the State of Victoria. lIS ;ums are: to promote the keeping ofCichlids; to gain and disseminate knowledge of their habits through slides, films, books, lectures. overseas magazines, articles by memlJers and discussion with fellow memlJers orotherexperls in the field. REPRINTS REPRINTS REPRINTS REPRINTS REPRINTS REPRINTS © COPYRIGHT, VictorianCichlid Society Incorporated, 1989. Anyone wishing to reprint materials from any Cichlid Monthly in their regular club megezine (not other publications which are sold), may do SO (unless the artiCle it&elf cerries 0 copyright notice) prOVided due credit is given to the author end 'The Cichlid Monthly' and one copy of the relll\lont publication i& &ent to the Editor - 30 Timbertop Road, Ringwood North, Victorie, Australia 3134. Enquiries re the use of material in any other publications may also be directed to the above. The Cichlid Monthly is published eleven times a year by: THE VICTORIAN CICHLID SOCIETY INCORPORATED. c/- 23 Mangena Drive, Mulgrave, Vic, Australia 3170. and is Registered by Australia Post - Publication Number VBH0291. The VCS is a memberofthe Federation ofVietorian Societies, ~LL Opinions expressed herein are those of the authors, and are not necessarily those of the Editor of TCM or the CICHLIDS', committee of the Victorien Cichlid Society Incorporated. BOUGHT AND SOLD (WHOLESALE ONLY) vc_ I The Cichlid Monthly _ ------­ W, •

gies mainly to: Tracey Spain, Ross THE NEXT MEETING will be held on 20 June at the Northvale Primary Vanner, Graham Rowe, and Aart School hall, Albany Drive, Mulgrave at 8.00 pm sharp (but the trading Langelaar [E&OEJ). table and library open much sooner - around 7.30). Supper will be ~, partaken ofafter the meeting - visitors, as always, are welcome. "'/!:y /' MINI TALK: Neolamprologus boulengen'- John McGrath From the Shame File: I have been a MAIN TALK: 'Hawaii' - Max Davenport. little bit remiss in not naming the DOOR PRIZES: Health Bars. winner of the inaugural Editor's DRAW PRIZES: Award for the best original article 1. DwarfCichlid Book. d_ printed in volume # 18, and here we 2. Cichlid Mix frozen food - courtesy ofAquavel. T IS MY fervent hope that some­ are in volume 19, #3. 3. Muscat. one, anyone, is thinking of tak­ The reasons for this slackness in­ TABLE SHOW: Africans and Asians. ing over the position of Editor clude the usual Editorial workload MINI AUCTION: Support for the mini auction - in the form of items for I next year - I will not be doing plus a lack of spare time at work ­ I auction or bidding for those items - is always appreciated. This it' Three consecutive years is enough have complained that I have dead­ month's mini auction will feature: in any position, and I intend to de­ lines too, but they insist on getting Aulonocara kandeensis(BIue Orchid Peacock) vote more of my energies to the Ac­ their silly newspaper out first. Why donated by John Reeves commodation and Fund-raising do I need time at work for that you committees which, I feel, will be of may ask - well it has to do with more benefit to our society. having a special plaque made there, When I allowed myself to be talked which will be done but the announce­ into a second plunge into the Editor­ ment of a winner just can not wait ship I thought that if I was to bring any longer. the appearance of the magazine up to The Editor's Award for 1989 goes a semi-professional standard, it to Tracy Spain for her article in the would attract authors like flies ... August 1989 (vol 18, #5) edition en­ everyone would want go down in titled 'Indiana Baddy and the Forging history if their work was presented in of the Torrent' - an expertly crafted a workmanlike manner with proper and entertaining tale of the Victorian the AUSTRALIAN illustrations etc - big mistake! Cichlid Convention "aquarium MADE IN crawl". Fish Food AUSTRALIA A major consolation has been that some of the outstanding works of the Tracey is entitled to a free mem­ Com~anv FOR AUSTRALIAN past have been reworked and present­ bership (I shall have to discuss with CONDITIONS ed in one piece and/or with photo­ the treasurer whether that is a refund graphs that were in the past either or a credit) and a pretty plaque when absent or unsatisfactory - there are I get it made. Thank you Tracy I am still a few to go, but they are drying really sorry for the delay and congrat­ V up fast due to the lack of input from ulations. _ •••••••_::::::I~I. Vegetable Diet, Basic Tropical Diet, the present membership (with apolo­ Color Food, Granules, and Baby Food. vc_ .' The Cichlid MonflllYl rThe Cichlid Monthly .1

SECONDHAND BUILDING MATERIALS Good Range of... TIMBER, OREGON AND HARDWOOD TIM­ BER, STEEL COLUMNS, RSJs, C-FRAME, ANGLE IRON, CORRUGATED IRON, BLUE­ STONE PITCHERS, BRICKS, DOORS, WIN­ DOWS, HAND BASINS, CISTERNS, At its recent meeting the Committee KITCHEN SINKS, FLUORESCENT LIGHTS, reiterated the Society's policy regard­ ing species acceptable for Breeder's WINDOW SASHES, SHEET GLASS. Achievement Award (BAA) points. OPEN 6 DAYS The only species that will be accept­ MONDAY-SATURDAY,8 am-5 pm. ed for registration are those that have been scientifically recognised. However, the Society strongly recommends that color morphs be HE SECONDHAND YARD PL kept separately as they may subse­ () N A.NTILLA ROAD. CLAYTON NORTH quently be raised to species status by scientists qualified to do so. Therefore, you should place BAA 561 7721 claims for any successful color morph spawnings and they will be held and processed when and if they become species. 25/5/1990 CHADSTONE QUARIUiM OSCAR EYES WANTED FOR SCIENTIFIC RESEARCH AT MONASH UNIVERSITY

If one of your Oscars should die, we would like to have him/her, Present a valid VCS Membership Card young or old. and receive a 10% discount. Put it in a plastic bag (or two) and stick it in the freezer. 649 Warrigal Road, Give us a ring and we will arrange to pick them up. Please phone Steve Morton Chadstone ­ 568 6962 on 565 3663 during business hours WE BUY & SELL CICHLIDSI or 571 9259 after hours (before 9 pm). 1'--- -- ­ -The CTCFilia-Monthly I I The Clchlld Month1y-- - p. FISH-ONLY AUCTION vese auctioned the whole lot - a mam­ Aart Langelaar moth task beautifully executed. There was standing-room only when all ,~·ff Our second fish-only auction was even t~ more successful than the inaugural one concerned were assembled. The usual and so will become an annual event. good assortment of rare and common, good quality fishes was present A mile­ The hall opened at 11. 30, however, fish stone was reached when a pair of Acar­ were not accepted until 12 pm. As previ­ icthys heckelli- the only pair available in ')I\IIlljU""J'lt,,,.,, ously advertised, the auction rules were ('te,".'. ADER Australia - were offered for sale (with a prominently displayed. Prior to the auc­ """,1"". /I""""/I,""'!.;.". ""'''''. "",",, '""""'. "'".... , .... ". /I" ... ,.• "''''''. ( ..".,.". '.".,,, •. "•.., I""..". ",.,,,, ,...." reserve of $2000). They were magnificent '...... (...,,,,,,;._~~'I\:-ll"""".·\I""'n' ", '-" ...... "lJl"""'~'~~r,jf'h",r)""'/'\"'!I"'~"' M ..."" '" .. , " .. " H."".. """"'., ...." ... '.Il... """".."I., ,.,. '''. I., . tion four renewals and four new member­ specimens and were paraded around for •••-., ships were received. Accounts were all to see. It would have been a nice com­ \'(l!rH'll .~. Nil. 1(, opened; Danny Genovese was ready and, mission, however, they were passed-in. I ~-- at last, the auction was on its way. Only two lots of fish were rejected by The auction resulted in a financial boost the scrutineers. to the society in excess of$l500. Jenny Briggs, ably assisted by Jan Por­ I would like to thank: John Reeves and f,{0~:j~~t[~~~~~!~H:~~i~~lill.~ ritt and Helena Thorn provided coffee, Scott Haymes (scrutineers); Danny Geno­ Did you know llwt (he collecting of cichlids is the third largest hobby in the world? tea, sandwiches, cold drinks, cakes etc. vese (auctioneer); Graham Rowe and Manny Vella donated three $30 gift \.\ul whal arc ciclllids, The Society'S ae- species arc purchased by sold al reduced prkes Daryl Hutchins (re-bagging); Eltham Ter­ yo" nlllY asl.'! eomplishmenls since the Society nnd alto· and assislllIlee in setting , vouchers, redeemable for 'Aquavel' frozen " race Pet Shop (oxygen); Glenn Briggs (ac­ CI~lditls arc bony. thcn have given itlllgh eaLetlLotlle,nhCrsfreeo[ up your own ciehlid foods. As it was a fish-only auction the counts); Jenny Briggs, Helyna Thorn and perch-hl. [ishes whos<~ recogmLlon With respecl charge. in order 10 sec- aquarium_ vouchers were ramed - thank you to Jan Porritt (catering); Marianne Stephens bodie$ c afe us\,al\y L,' the SocieLy's aims. \lfe Lhose panicnlar [I,ll The Society'S meet­ Marianne Stephens for taking care of the t>il:ltCr:llly Cot\1pres,~1. wl,~ch arc: 'In Ihe hobby's lulUr". ings arc held every Ihird (raffle); Manny Vella (rame prize); Steve Wednesday of the raffle. Olhcr ~\dtlHI~ cll~lr~I('> Ju prorlU.llc lhc kccp- Stevens, Ken Whelan and Dave Thorn Icristic. inel",le a ~ingk ing 01 cichlids (illc\llll- The Vietor;"n C,chlid montl1 ("ccpt January) Thirty-one vendors produced 365 lots (runners) for a magnificent com hi nro no'Lril on eaeb si,Ie of [ng correct care proee· SOCleLy'sconlribnlion 10 nliheNorllwa1e Primary to be auctioned. After two breaks the last dTnrl ­ the head. Ihe mouth is du,es); 10 proteclspccies the p"pularilY o[ this School Hall (Mclw"ys prolr:leule a'\l~ all the [«lin cross·hree,hng; hobhy iovolvcs mCIll-r Ref. BO-E'J) at 8 pm. item was sold around 8 pm. Danny Geno- • LceLh locatcd ill tile amI 10 gam and dissemi- bership ofkred 1.0 jllnlll Anyone interested is fIIouth ar.: on Ihe jaw. Ilille l.nowledge of the" I.eepcrs. welcome to allem!. I)one. hi!llIts Ihrough a com· . Th9 ,"'I"rally occur preheusi ve library of Sped;,l

Phone: (03) 546 1025

Business hours: This article appeared in 'The Hills Trader' Man-Sat 9 am-7 pm; Sunday 11 am-5 pm. as a result of the Nountain Gate promotion. Wednesday Closed. Victoria's First and Original Cichlid Centre vc_ H ------The Cichlid Monthly I I The Cichlid Monthly ..' ' And Is Cichlids

Reprinted from Buntbarsche Bulletin, official publi­ Steve Somermeyer cation of the American Cichlid Assoc - anyone inter­ ested in joining the ACA is cordially invited to apply to: 1645 Ridge Hill La Glen Eaves. Box 32130, Indianapolis, IN 46217 Raleigh, NC 27622, USA.

The purpose of this article is to tries are among the poorest and most share some thoughts on the main­ densely populated in the world. This tenance and culture of tanganyikan fact along with the rugged terrain makes cichlids based upon my experiences collecting these fishes a real chore at with them. In this article I'll discuss times. At least two-thirds of the lake's aspects of the lake itself and the general shore is inaccessible by land due to guidelines for taking care of these the mountainous terrain. If you couple interesting fish. To discuss individually that fact with the reality of $8.00 a the diverse collection of cichlid fishes gallon gasoline, commercial collection in the lake would take volumes, so of these fish can be a tough call. I've restricted this formal article to Pierre Brichard and his family has general aspects of keeping these cich­ been collecting and exporting cichlids lids. The more time I spend with these from Lake Tanganyika for over twenty the more I realize how much I years now. His daughter and son and brevis T. Koziol photo. don't know or understand about them. their spouses currently operate the busi­ I suspect that is some of the attraction ness which has furnished the vast to fish populations so it's anyone's rocky bottoms it's not surpnslng that that this group of cichlids holds for majority of tanganyikan cichlids to the guess how many different species and the water is very hard - over 300 ppm me. fish hobbyist world over the years. A color varieties Tanganyika will even­ of total hardness and alkaline in nature. I'll begin with an overview of the recent development for them has been tually yield. The pH for most of the lake approaches lake itself - its chemistry and general increasing their pond culture of cichlids. The lake is isothermic which means 9.0. However it is fortunate that most environment, and the surrounding coun­ The lake is a closed system with that there is no significant tempera­ cichlids available in the hobby are try. I'll then review some general guide­ no water flowing out. It is not surpris­ ture drop as the depth of the lake able to adapt to more neutral con­ lines that I feel are important in the ing then that almost all of the cichlids increases even though the lake is a ditions. Water quality is qUite good as maintenance and culture of the lake's present in Lake Tanganyika are endemic metric mile deep in places. The tem­ one would expect with the vast per­ cichlids. Lake Tanganyika is one of (occurring no where else in the world). I perature varies only a few degrees centage of the water volume unused the giant lakes in the world, extending don't have a current species count but from its surlace temperature of 80° F. by biological systems. in length some 300+ miles in the I'm sure that over 300 species of cich­ It is thought that there is volcanic activity During the "dry" season when the east-central region of Africa. One of lids have been described to date with very close to the lake bottom which bacterial blooms are infrequently en­ the members of the African rift valley only 3 or 4 types occurring elsewhere. would account for this isothermic state. countered, underwater visibility can lakes, it is not only the 7th largest lake With that sort of numbers it isn't sur­ With no significant temperature di'f­ exceed 80 feet. By the way, the defini­ in the world but also the second deepest prising that there is a wide range in ference there is no driving force for tion of the Tanganyikan dry season is extending some 1500 meters in places. diversity. the vertical currents that occur in most that it only rains once per day; during Zaire borders it on the west, Zambia In size alone the cichlid adult sizes lakes and provide oxygenated water the rainy seasons, it rains all day. on the south, Tanzania on most of the range from the giant Bou/engero­ to the depths. Because of this lack During the day the temperature is eastern coast, and Burundi on the chromis which can grow to 3 feet in there is very little oxygen present in around 80-85° F with the night low in northern third of the eastern coast. length to some of the Lamprologu5 the lake below 300 feet so the fish the 70's. I've been fortunate to have visited shelldwellers whose females are sex­ fauna is concentrated in the upper The topography of Tanganyika both the Brichard compound located in Bur­ ually mature at % inch! Some estimate layer. in and out of the water is moun­ undi twice and have spent a total of that less than 30% of the lake has With the closed system aspect of tainous. It is not uncommon for the 16 days diving in the lake. These coun- been thoroughly surveyed with regard the lake and the preponderence of pitch or drop on the lake shore to III'------.- Tne---cTClllld MonffiTY I I The Cichlid Monthly UI

Above: Lamprologus tetracanthus, P. V. Loiselle photo. Below Right: Julido­ Lamprologus compressiceps T. Koziol photo. chromis ornatus, D. Speirs, photo.

temperature SWings in the past so 0 exceed 45 . When you consider this As hinted at earlier, the most impor­ they don't handle it well at all. They along with the fact that most of the tant aspect of successfully maintaining will do well almost anywhere from 72­ cichlids are tightly bonded to rocky and spawning these fish is maintain­ 82°F, but wide and frequent SWings terrains and most of the tanganyikan ing high water quality. Because of the through a range will have a detrimental cichlids that we know in the hobby low range of temperature and water effect on their well-being. exist in the lake in 50 feet of water or chemistry fluctuations encountered by Generally, tanganyikan cichlids are less, it's not surprising that cichlid these cichlids, they really resemble decent eaters with any good quality populations differ greatly from one marine fish in this important require­ flake food being taken. A high vege­ locale to another. It's not surprising to ment. While other fishes encounter table content flake is preferred, espe­ survey two different rocky shores sep­ diverse conditions due to changes in cially for members of the Tropheus arated by 100 yards Or so of sand and seasons Or other factors, tanganyikan complex. This makes sense when one find very different groups of cichlids cichHds haven't had to adapt rapidly realizes that unless the specific cichlid present. to such changes during their evolution species is an open-water predator or a Other than cichlids there are also and as a result, don't handle environ­ plankton feeder, most obtain their pro­ representatives of most of the other mental stress well at all. With almost tein by graZing in the abundant algae major freshwater fish families. Characins, no exceptions I've been successful carpet. Live baby brine shri mp and catfish, and eels are prominent. Those keeping these fishes in good health as frozen adult are accepted of you who have heard me talk about long as I'm careful to take good care well. Various live worms and other spawning, frequent feedings are cer­ my experiences there are also aware of their water. small live foods are also good foods. tainly recommended. Just as with any that there are significant non-fish in­ Comparing their tolerance of tem­ At the higher temperatures their metabo­ tank of fish, only feed the amount that habitants Of the lake. perature fluctuations to that of other lism is high enough that multiple feed­ is consumed within minutes. But let's get to the primary subject fishes and cichllds, the same strategy ings per day are necessary. Certainly As with most cichlids the larger the of this article - Tanganyikan cichlids. applies. They haven't had to adapt to when one is conditioning to encourage aquarium the more at ease tanganyikan ." The Cichlid Monthly I IIF1eTicfi1lO-MonffiFl ----- 'p' I cichlids will feel and the fewer losses that instinct tells these fish that to be due to aggression will occur. However, in water as shallow as that in a 20 many of the smaller rocky shore cichlids gallon aquarium is to risk becoming a such as L. brichardi-types and the bird's meal. The layer of duckweed complex will do very gives them a sense of security that well in tanks as small as 20 gallons. they need to behave normany. Of course the tiny can In closing I'd like to recommend be maintained and bred in tanks as further reading material. This article small as 5 gallons. The caution is to really just scratches the surface of watch as the fish pair off and remove knowledg.e about tanganyikan cichlids. Large Tropical the odd fish out. Usually one will notice For more information I recommend the unpaired fish hanging in the upper the following four books: corners of the aquarium or deep in 1. The first is The Gichlid Aquarium the middle of plant foliage. Once you by the A.C.A.'s own Dr. Paul Loiselle. notice this you need to yank the odd Might well be the best cichlid (all fish before anything worse happens to types) book available today. them. With the importance of very good 2. The second is a book for those water quality in the culture of these of you on the academic/technical/behav­ animals, good filtration is a must. Tan­ ioral side, The Gichlid Fishes of the ganyikan cichlids are very intolerant Great Lakes of Africa by Geoffrey Phone: of ammonia in the aquarium. Most of Fryer and T. D. lies. Written like a RESERVOIR 3073':<:\ 4786614 my tanks have a combination of biologi­ college text and sometimes tough to cal filtration in the form of sponge read but crammed fun of lots of ciehlid filters or in-tank box filters and outside information. power filters. II tend to verge on over­ 3. One new and excellent entry is feeding my fish so large capacity fitters Ad Konig's Tanganyika Gichlids, avail­ and frequent water changes are a able through ACA Book Sales. The A-OK matter of routine for my tanganikan book is a joy to read as it melds infor­ PET & AQUARIUM aquarium. mation on aquarium maintenance and Contrary to thoughts in some quar­ breeding with observations made in (03) 758 7354 ters, my tanganyikan cichlids receive the wild. A must for the serious eich­ frequent, regular water changes. I think lidophile. • Tropical & Gold Fish ,~\. the key here is frequent. These fish like steady-state conditions so if used 4. Last but not least is the classic • African & American Cichlids (~~,.". to weekly 25 - 50% water changes, tanganyikan eichlid book, Fishes of • All Aquarium & Pet Accessories one must keep it up. I have not had Lake Tanganyika by Pierre Brichard. good success stretching out water Although some of the newer species • Hydro Bath for Dogs aren't mentioned in the book, Pierre's changes to bi-weekly or even monthly. • Open 6 days - Man-Sat Tanganyikan fry thrive on daily 20% observations on most Of the species changes and their growth is excellent. that we have swimming around in our Open until 9 pm Friday Whatever one does, it does seem to are excellent. I hope this encourages you to give be important to stick to a regular KEVIN & MARIE MORGAN routine with these fish. this extremely interesting group of clch­ Many of my aquariums are uncover­ lids a try. I'm sure that you'll enjoy SHOP 36 MOUNTAIN GATE SHOPPING CENTRE ed yet it is very rare that a fish jumps them!!! out. My aquarium "covers" are a thick Reprinted from Tropical Topics, bulletin of the FERNTREE GULLY 3156 layer of duckweed. The theory goes Indianapolis Aquarium Society. Ip' The Cichlid Monthly I I The Cichlid Monthry If' FROM OCTOBER 1983 rCM species including Pseudotropheus zebra, mercurochrome handy, as the male tends which are certainly no match. The only to be a little rough on the females. If your HAPLOCHROMISVENUSTUS fish I have kept them with so far, that they aim is to produce fry in quantity, then the do not unduly harass, is Cieh/asoma nigro­ only successful way I have found is to fiJseiatum - and that is only when the house the male away from the females Hap/oehromis venustus is a large preda­ Convicts are spawning! In short, this spe­ (and preferably even housing the females tory cichlid which is endemic to Lake Ma­ By Steve Butcher cies is best kept on its own. individually). lawi.1t grows to a length of20 cm or more I have housed HapJochromis venustus Using the latter method, spawnings of in nature and possibly larger in captivity. good predator, eating any small fish it can in a variety of tanks, ranging from three to 200-plus are not impossible - 240 being This fish is closely related to Hap/oehro­ catch. In aquaria I have seen Hap/oehro­ six feet, the latter being the most suitable the best that I have raised from a 2Ih-year­ mis livingstoni and so these two species mis venustus almost tear a tank apart to size to best manage their aggression. The old female. This particular female was should not be housed together as cross­ get the last Gambusia, even though it al­ water conditions required are the usual for housed in her own three-foot tank with breeding may occur. ready has more than it can handle in its African cichlids. I keep them at approxi­ only a catfish to do the housework, so she Males have a blue face and gill covers mouth. mately 7.0-7.2 pH and 300-600 ppm, at could concentrate on raising babies. I with a yellow band running from just be­ In captivity they will eat just about any­ 2S-27°C. _~/",r"'~_ would wait until her ovipositor appeared hind the eyes, extending through the dor­ thing you want to dispose, of including sal fin to and including the caudal fin. The crickets, spiders, slugs, flies, silverfish and {:{\./~~I./i!U'I~"',' ". d,"~~~7'~ ". ~ basic body coloration is an olive-green, anything else that crawls, slides or flies. ., t.ltlj .....". . ./.' , . ~ with dark-olive to black irregular blotches. These goodies are generally treats; their When spawning, the body color changes to basic diet consists of frozen food each an intense blue-green. night and flake or pellets in the morning. The female has yellow tips to the fins, Occasionally, I feed them a small amount with dark-olive blotches on a lighter olive of vegetable matter which could be green background. Generally, neither sex has algae or vegetable flakes. markings in the fins (unlike Hap/oehromis Housing Hap/oehromis venustus can, at /ivingstoni or most other Haplochromis times, be a challenge as the fish is not what species). you might call a "pussycat". They tend to Feeding presents no problems - it try to dominate anything that is housed and then place the male in with her. seems to be on a SEEfood diet (what it with them, and quite often succeed in do­ Photo: STEVE BUTCHER Spawning would commence within 60 to 90 sees, it eats). In nature this fish is a rather ing so. I have kept them with a variety of seconds! From about the age of two years, she started to release her babies from Hap/oehromis venustus is, in my opin­ about 12 days onward. ion, one of the easiest fishes to spawn, providing a few basic rules are followed. Care should be exercised when netting When purchasing this fish with a view to the female to relieve her of her brood, as breeding, a minimum of four, preferably she will begin to spit them out as soon as six to eight fry should be obtained. The she is caught. Raising the fry is no problem most successful ratio that I have found is as they thrive on crushed flakes and baby one male to three females (I love these brine shrimp. On this diet they should African stories - Ed). A little time spent grow to about four centimetres in six observing the fry, even at a size of four weeks. centimetres, will give one a fair indication Remember that if you are raising 200 oftheirsex. fry then you have 200 fish polluting Fry grow rapidly in the first 12 months, the water, so regular water changes are reaching a length of 12 to IS em, which is recommended. about the time and size that breeding The above comments are based on my starts. personal experiences and observations Depending on whether you intend to with this species. I would be glad to hear breed the fish "normally" or to produce from other aquarists who have worked bulk fry determines how they should be with Hap/oehromis venustus so that wr kept. To spawn them normally, leave the ('an ('nmrarr n()lr~ _ ~ group of Steve's young Venustus. Photo: STEVE BUTCHER male and females together - but have the • I The CiCIllid Montl1lY ­ .. 'Rowemin' 'Round By Graham Rowe ELCOME aboard. Hopefully we will have invites to visit . warm climes - it is rather W cool here in Victoria at the moment. Unfortunately, our first port of call is cool Canberra in answer to the invite in their October 89 'Tank Talk'. Deborah Ralph is pleased to tell everyone about­ her experiences with Neolamprologus pulcher. Next stop is South Australia in answer to a triple invite in the March, April and May issues of'Fishtales Magazine'. Debo­ rah Ralph's article on breeding Powder­ blue Discus creates a lot of interest (this Who's judging who? (G.Rowe -- Adelaide Show) bird must be hitching a ride on the magic carpet - Ed). Aart Langelaar's 'Failures, Fiascos and Deficiencies' raised a smile or three. Paul Crawley's 'A Rose In Search of Backwards to NSW Cichlid Society, in a Name - Neolamprologus elongatus answer to the invite in their May 'Cichlid (formerly Lamprologus brichardi)' created Circular'. Incidentally, I like the new de­ The 'VCS AtmOO.r DitlfWr \.A.f! be: h~[J Ofi a lot of discussion. Brian Rutherford's sign - it looks very clean and profession­ 'More Name Changes: Cichlidae' verified al. It will keep Daryl on his toes to keep the this and other changes. Logan Fow's 'Best Mag in Oz' title (when did I get it ­ SMu-rc41~~ 18th M8ust 199~ -­ 'More About Plastic Bags' debunks the Ed). Peter Gallagher tells all(?) his secrets myths raised in 'Plastic Bags - Friend or in 'My Experiences With Diseus'. Dave Foe?' Marjorie Isabel tells everyone of the Locey's 'Cichlidae Communique' article 500 july arM! AA8ust, TeM for rk-"uJfs. rewards of,Spawning Symphysodon aqua­ on 'The Amazing Rainbow Cichlid ­ fasciata (Discus)'. Herotilapia multispinosa (Gunther 1869)' -- or JeMy 'Br~8s Jor ~~i418s~ Onwards to North Jersey AS via the' excited a great deal of interest. Dr George invite in the May issue of 'Reporter'. Nini Barlow's 'The Life History of a Typical Schulz has us drooling as she tells us how Central American Cichlid' contained a lot she spawned 'Biotodoma species - Red of food for thought. He is researching why Fin Toncantins'. She picked this up with fish choose a particular mate. They are Tid£et~ in (\ iSpedcal Ro.ffle will be another new arrival- Retroclus lapidifer. beginning to understand how and why, but Daniel Fromm expounds some excellent a lot ofwork still has to be done. advice 'Cautionary Tales on the Birth and Pacific hopping to Lake Erie Cichlid So­ :501d ot the Jun~ J July oi'ld AuS t1~t Propogation of Error'. This should be ciety in answer to the double invite in their compulsory reading for all aquarists, re­ March and April 'Cichlid Evening Post's. meetings and will be dru\.vn ot the tailers, wholesalers and fly-by-nighters. Discus are in this trip. Dan Ogrizek en­ Roy Allen has us drooling too - 'Mini thralls all on 'The Selection, Care and Mbuna - a Great Choice'. He is talking Breeding of Discus'. Then Dan showed he dinner', about Cynotilapia afra Jara. They bred at was not an African-hater by explaining all 1.25" (3.2 cm)! about 'Lamprologus le\eupi'. There is also 11:1 The Cichlid Monthly I I The Cichlid Monthly 10 an interestingTFH ad that mentions Tetra togramma'. Mike Wise has started on 'A ",,~rdI~Y·!:5 more times than ~t mentions TFH!!! Proposed List ofDwarfCicillids'. Very in­ Table Show Sunshine bound to Southern California teresti ng to the dwarf buff. Julidochromis miss out, using Vierke's definition. Mike Americansand Asians Cichlid Association in answer to their Cond Fins Shane Scales ADe March!April issue of 'Cichlid Circular'. also has a 'Nominal List ofApistogramma Species Entrant {max 3Ol(max30llmax20J (max to) (mcl'10j Total Species'; 'Nominal List of Undescribed Myles Neiman tells about his 'Experiences I Aequidens itanyi Aart Langelaar 28 20 18 6 7 79 With Lamprologus kendalli'. Kevin Kel­ Apistogramma Species' and 'Nomina~List ofInvalid Apistogramma Species' (my Ca­ 2 Nannacara anomala John McGrath 28 20 18 7 5 78 ley ponders 'To Salt, or Not to Salt ­ 3 Cichlasoma spilurum Ken Whelan 25 20 15 7 7 74 Saline Salience for the Non-Chemist'. This catuoides is on crutches but does not qual­ ify). I think Mike qualifies as the Wise 4 Solid Turquise Discus It Tony Conti 28 25 18 7 8 86 is essential reading for Lake Tanganyika 5 Red Devil Jonathan Sheilds 28 18 18 5 6 75 buffs and very interesting for others. Perpetrator of Lists, Alan Goldstein sug­ gests that three species of Apistogramma 5 Gold Severum John McGrath 28 26 18 7 8 87 Next stop is Fort Wayne Cichlid Associ­ trios live well in one tank - hence his ation in answer to the invite in March and JUDGE'S COMMENTS slogan 'Apistos With Apistos'. Hal Makin 1. Damage on mouth. Damage on fins. 4. Good fish. Slight fin damage. April issues of 'FWCA Bulletin'. Bob continues his trek in 'An Aquarist's Arm­ Goldstein's article in the 'Carolina Aquar­ 2. Split dorsal. A little small. 5. Split fins and cysts in tail. chair Amazon'. Alan Goldstein lists 'The 3. Hard to judge, not cooperative. 6. Almost perfect (tank too small). ist' created a lot of interest. 'Raising the Differences Between Pelvicachromis taen­ Dwarf Aquarist' was greeted with nods of iatus and P. pulcher' in great detail. Don RESULTS consent. This indeed is a rare species and Frisque circulates a 'List of Dwarf Cichlid 1st John's Severum 2nd Tony's Discus 3rd Aart's ltanyi. hard to eultivate. Jim Kroeger amazed us Reference Books'. To finish this "list" Or Popular Choice. with a tale about 'A Good Bit of Luck'. magazine we have the 1989-90 member­ Still not sure our leg was not pulled ­ ship list with only two Aussies. Anybody fantastic coincidences. interested in dwarfs who would like to be a Across the border to Hamilton and Dis­ member, see me for details. trict AS in answer to the triple invite in the We have three 'Revue Fran~aise des March, April and May issues of 'Monthly Cichlidophiles' and I will LIST the fishes Bulletin'. Pat Chefalo, Missouri AS, poses featured in January, February and March the question 'Lumpers or Splitters - or issues: WILD SERVICE ASK FOR The VCS proudly Which'Surinamensis Do You Have?' ... South American Cichlids especially very interesting indeed. How do you get BEDER BACK-UP GRAEME OR JOHN presents Geophagus and Crenicichla; Pelvicach­ these two opposing groups to agree? Gary romis taeniatus; Neolamprologus toae; ~ Smith attempts to convince everyone that Aulonocara hansbaenschi; Lamprolo­ MILD MAX'S his favorite 'Cichlasoma synspilum' is the gus ocel1atus; the genus Hemichromis; ACHIEVING fis,h for everyone. You could do worse - a HAWAII the South-East of ; "Par­ lot worse. Will Butler explains the 'Hus­ atheraps" synspilum; "Vieja" maculi­ An expose of the bandry for Julidochromis marlieri (Poll cauda; Petrochromis macrognathus; 1956)' - the largest Juli. Tilapia are big in Tropheus moorii - Kasabae; "Para­ 'THE RARE' fishy side of America - aquaculturists aim to produce petenia" managuense; Julidochromis McGarrett's place. 100,000 Ibs!acre (II] ,998.09 !cilos!ha) per [fll;-O A BETTER BUYING omatus; Tropheus moorii - Chi­ r:=n-~~ year, and acreage is increasing. Dan Mar­ II!dJ AQUARIUM pimbi; new classifications of Lake Ma­ By VCS Auditor enbette tells of his experiences with Bur­ OPEN 70A YS A WEEK lawi Haplochromines; Nanochromis Extraordinaire toni in a piece entitled 'Three Times 1n a parilius; "Parapetenia" octofasciatum; Row for Burton's Mouthbrooder' (this Pseudotropheus fJayus; Hemichromis MAX gives the clue to pronouncing Burton-eye). species Blue; Neolamprologus caudo­ DAVENPORl Barbara Mann chips in with her viewpoint punctatus; Neolamprologus leleupi; to even up for the Americanados 'Breed­ 416 1118 at the Neolamprologus leloupi; Aulonocara 240 GERTRUDE ST, FITZROY 20th June meeting ing the CicWasoma severum'. baenschi; Lamprologus ocellatus; Neo­ Apistogramma Study Group is our next lamprologus wauthioni. stop in answer to the invite in Volume Eight, number·'one of 'The Apisto-gram'. Well, that is it for this month ­ see you Dale Spiers inspires us with 'The Ama­ next trip. _ zon's History and its, Relationshipto Apis- • E'l The Cichlid Monthly I Minutes ofprevious meeting The president opened the meeting at 8.04 pm. He welcomed all especially Barry Gooley and Brian Rutherford (South Australian visitors). Minutes of the April meeting were taken as read on a motion moved by Jeffrey Staude and seconded by Paul Dundas. Correspondence: Australia Post Change to envelope design. American Cichlid Association Convention information. Ray Martin Membership. Kim Hawkins Membership. Mark Mackaway Membership. Dave Russell Membership renewal and enquiry re back Aquarium issues ofmagazine. This was received on a motion moved by Daryl Hutchins and seconded by Martin Criddle. ELSTERNWICK Auction report from Aart. Aquavel thanked for donation. Dave Thorn then spoke on Julidochromis. He was thanked by Keith Patford - carried by acclamation. Apologies were received. Success of Mountain Gate promotion mentioned - 'Hillside OVER 150 DISPLAYS Trader' to do article on society (see elsewhere this issue). New members Barry Gooley, Luke Rankin and Tina Webbers welcomed. Bill Foreman defeated Don Olney in the quiz ... on the fifth tiebreaker. Ross Vanner thanked for the MARINES, CICHLIDS, questions. After a short break, magazine talk was held. Open forum was then held. Dave Thorn thanked ladies for initiative in hiring pie warmer for auction. An interest­ TROPICALS, NATIVES, ing mini auction was then held. Table show results announced. Raffle: 3-foot Reflector - Jenny Briggs. Flakes - declined by Martin won by Lynda GOLDFISH, & GARDEN Savona. Backdrop - S. Hawkins. Door prizes courtesy of Pet & Aquarium Industries were won by: Emmanuel Savona, Glenn Briggs, Paul Dundas, John Mitchell, Jeffrey POND SUPPLIERS. Staude (declined by Martin Criddle and Keith Patford). The meeting adjourned for supper at 10.35. 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'. '- .. , :.::::;.... APPLICATION FOR , r---­Name in full: .. , MEMBERSHIP Age next birthday (if under 18): I The Secretary, Graham Rowe, Address: The Victorian Cichlid Society I Incorporated, 23 Mangana Drive, I I MULGRAVE, AUSTRALIA 3170. Postcode: Telephone: Dea.rGraham, I Date: ., .... Signature: I 1 wish to become a member ofthe Victorian Cichlid SocietyIncorporat­ Area/s of interest: ed. Herewith I have included the required I I information, and 1 enclose a cheque for the corrBat a.mount. I I Ordinary and Family memberships: $20 and $25 respectIvely Uoining fee $5); Junior $10; Overseas $A20 (airmail extra), I I • .iii ".. ,. iiii" iii'" iii' ".' "..' ".iii "iii' ".II' ......