Breeding Pearly Calvus (Altolamprologus Calvus) In The Aquarium

Occurrence

Freshwater species, endemic to Lake Tanganyika in Africa. It can be found in the southwestern part of this reservoir, among rocks and stones in coastal areas.

Appearance

There are several color varieties of this species, including black, white, and yellow. The most popular variety is characterized by a gray-blue coloration, with faintly visible brown-black, transverse bands (which are more visible on the front of the body). There is also a dark oblique stripe running through the eye. The whole body is strongly laterally compressed and speckled with white, shiny dots. This species is distinguished by large eyes, the eyeballs of which rotate almost 90°, large, fleshy lips, an elongated snout, and a lack of scales on the forehead, between the eyes. The species is often mistaken for Altolamprologus compressiceps. The described species has a longer, lower, and more streamlined body and is also smaller. Altolamprologus compressiceps has a more steeply sloping forehead, an upturned snout, and its spots on the body are vague and muted. The female is significantly smaller than the male. The male has longer fins compared to the female.

Disposition

This fish is naturally predatory. Therefore, potential tank mates should be of an appropriate size. The young will also not be safe in the same aquarium. The species has interesting hunting behaviors. Altolamprologus calvus can be kept in one aquarium with other species from Lake Tanganyika or Malawi. We avoid company of snail-eaters, other species from the mbuna group, and colorful varieties of the same species (there will be crossbreeding). The fish can effectively defend itself from aggressive cichlids guarding their offspring - it bristles its thick scales, which have serrated edges. It is not aggressive itself, it is somewhat territorial and often hides for several weeks in available crevices after being introduced into the aquarium. The fish should be kept in pairs or in groups.

Aquarium

The decoration of the aquarium has a significant impact on the color of the fish. Light decoration results in darker body colors, dark tank decoration results in lighter body colors. We keep the species in a Lake Tanganyika biotope aquarium, with stacks of rocks, cracks, caves, shells, sandy or gravel substrate, open spaces for free swimming, and subdued lighting. The species is sensitive to the chemical composition of the water and its sudden changes in parameters. Effective filtration, regular water changes, and appropriate aeration are necessary.

Breeding

The species is oviparous. It is best for pairs to choose themselves from a larger herd. Spawning takes place on a hard surface, in a hiding place (pot, shell, cave). The female lays up to 200 eggs, which the male fertilizes from the outside (does not enter the hiding place), and then, by fanning his tail, he moves the milk deep into the hiding place. The female protects and takes direct care of the eggs, while the male guards the territory. The larvae hatch after about 2 days, and after another 8, the fry swim freely in search of food. Parental care stops immediately when the fry swim out to search for food. After 25-35 days, the female is ready for the next spawn.