Physical description: Has a more elongated body than J. ornatus. The body color is pale yellow to golden yellow. The pattern depends on the geographical region from which the fish originated. One common pattern variant is known as the "Zambian" morph. Four slender, lateral stripes that are brown-black in color runs the length of the body. These stripes alternate with the yellow body color. This pattern continues on the dorsal fin. The tail has circular patterns alternating between the yellow and brown-black markings colors. Another popular morph is the type from the northern part of the lake from near Bujumbura, Burundi. This variation has only three lateral bands, but these are very broad. Often it appears that the fish has a black base color with fine yellow lines. The fins retain the same coloration. One other morph is one with small black stripes. These are much thinner than those found on the first mentioned variant. Size/Length: To 12" (30 cm) in nature, although rarely larger than 5" (13 cm) in captivity. Similar species: J. marlieri Habitat: Eastern Africa; found near the rocky shores of Lake Tanganyika. S: All Aquarium: 32" (80 cm) or 30 gallons (114 L) is recommended for fish to the length of 4" (10 cm). Fish larger than this size, should be moved to at least a 40" (101 cm) or 45-55 gallons (170-209 l) tank. Arrange the tank as one for J. ornatus. Water chemistry: 8.0-9.2 (8.2), 8-20 dH (15), 72-77°F (22-25°C). Social behavior: Do not keep with small, easy to swallow fish. This species is aggressive towards its own species. Become aggressive towards all fish when preparing to spawn. Suggested companions: Lake Tanganyika cichlids, Synodontis, Aulonocara, Lamprichthys, Afromastacembelus , Rainbowfish. FOOD: Live; crustaceans, bloodworms, other insect larvae, aquatic insects, Tubifex; finely chopped meat; flakes; pellets; spinach. Sexual differences: Females are larger and have a rounded genital papilla. The male's is pointed and more elongated. Breeding techniques: Use water with a pH from 8.5-9.2, a hardness from 8-15 dH, and a temperature from 77-81°F (25-27°C). This fish can be bred in a 32" (80 cm) or 30 gallons (114 L) tank containing a great amount of rock-work. As many as 300 eggs are laid on the ceiling of a chosen cave. The fry, after hatching 2-4 days later, adhere to the sides and ceiling of the caves. The pair continues their care for the young, which can be fed on Artemia and dry foods. Breeding potential: 5. Once a compatible pair is found, spawning becomes easy in their own separate tank. Remarks: Sometimes the female will take over the male's defense responsibilities. Difficulty of care: 5. More peaceful than J. ornatus. Their diet should include live foods. Recent articles about fish Overfishing may hurt Amazon forest trees (2/5/2008) Overfishing is reducing the effectiveness of seed dispersal by fish in the Brazilian Pantanal, reports Nature. The research suggests that fishing practices can affect forest health. Scientists find fish that literally lives in trees (10/17/2007) Scientists have found a fish that literally lives in trees, according to research published in The American Naturalist and highlighted in New Scientist Magazine. Piranhas originated when Amazon was flooded by seawater (12/4/2007) South America's piranha family of fish -- notorious as eaters of flesh -- can be traced back to a single ancestor which dispersed when the Amazon was flooded by seawater some five million years ago, report researchers from the Institut de Recherche Pour le Developpement (IRD). Today piranhas are exclusively freshwater fish found from the Orinoco River basin in Venezuela to the Parana in Argentina. |
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Copyright Rhett Butler 1994-2009 The copy for fish.mongabay.com was written in 1994-1995. Therefore some information such as scientific names may be out of date. For this, I apologize. Feel free to send corrections to me. |
