Ectodus descampsii

Scientific name: Ectodus descampsii

Common name: N/A

Family: Cichlidae

Usual size in fish tanks: 10 - 11 cm (3.94 - 4.33 inch)

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Recommended pH range for the species: 7.5 - 8.9

Recommended water hardness (dGH): 10 - 18°N (178.57 - 321.43ppm)

0°C 32°F30°C 86°F

Recommended temperature: 24 - 27 °C (75.2 - 80.6°F)

The way how these fish reproduce: Spawning

Where the species comes from: Africa

Temperament to its own species: peaceful

Temperament toward other fish species: aggressive to smaller

Usual place in the tank: Middle levels

Food and feeding

Cichlid pellets and quality flakes should provide the staple diet. The addition of spirulina based foods will be beneficial as will feeding small live or frozen foods.

Origin

Africa; Ectodus descampsii are found in Lake Tanganyika.

Sexing

Juveniles are almost impossible to sex but as the fish mature, the males will develop a stockier body shape with a higher dorsal fin. The males caudal fin will also be more extended then the females.

Breeding

Ectodus descampsii are maternal mouth brooders. The male will dig pits in the substrate to entice the females to spawn. The male will darken up while displaying trying to attract the female. When she is happy, the eggs will be laid in the pit and fertilized straight away, The female will then scoop them up for brooding, this normally last for up to 3 weeks. When the fry have been released, they can be fed on newly hatched brine shrimp or rotifers.

Lifespan

The expected life span for Ectodus descampsii is 15 years.

Short description

It is best to keep 2 males with at least 3 females. Ectodus descampsii are aggressive and need a lot of room in the tank. Rocks should be provided for hiding places and water quality should be high.

Picture

Bought by aqua-fish.net from jjphoto.dk.