Lifalili cichlid - Hemichromis lifalili

Scientific name: Hemichromis lifalili

Common name: Lifalili cichlid

Family: Cichlidae

Usual size in fish tanks: 7 - 8 cm (2.76 - 3.15 inch)

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Recommended pH range for the species: 6.5 - 7.5

Recommended water hardness (dGH): 8 - 18°N (142.86 - 321.43ppm)

0°C 32°F30°C 86°F

Recommended temperature: 22 - 24 °C (71.6 - 75.2°F)

The way how these fish reproduce: Spawning

Where the species comes from: Africa

Temperament to its own species: aggressive/territorial

Temperament toward other fish species: aggressive/territorial

Usual place in the tank: Bottom levels

Food and feeding

Lifalili cichlid is an easy feeder. The staple diet should consist of quality flakes or pellets. Live or frozen foods should also be given in the form of Tubifex, Blood worms, and brine shrimp.

Origin

Central Africa; Lifalili cichlid is found in the tributaries of the Congo and Ubanghi Rivers.

Sexing

The males will have a bright coloration while the females will tend to have a darker body color.

Breeding

Lifalili cichlids are substrate spawners; the female will select a smooth surface such as a rock or plant leaf and lay her eggs. The female will tend the eggs while the male will defend the site. The fry will be moved about the tank by the parents and should be fed on micro worms or newly hatched brine shrimp.

Lifespan

The expected life span for Hemichromis lifalili is 5-10 years.

Short description

Hemichromis lifalili are territorial, if the tank is large enough, then some of the aggression will be abated. Hiding places need to be included in the set up as well as a couple of upturned plant pots to act as possible spawning sites. Lifalili cichlids become very aggressive during spawning.

Picture

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