What is the difference between Calvus and Compressiceps?

What is the difference between A calvus and A compressiceps?

This species is distinguishable from its only congener, A. compressiceps by the profile of the mouth, which is sloped more laterally in this species than in compressiceps. It also has a scaleless area on the head that gives rise to the species name, ‘ calvus ‘ being the latin word for bald!

How can you tell the difference between A compressiceps and a shellfish?

It’s perhaps most easily distinguished from A. compressiceps by its overall more elongate snout and body form. There is also a smaller, shell-dwelling member of the genus that is usually traded as A sp. compressiceps ‘shell’ but which appears to be an undescribed species.

How is the ALCA calvus adapted to its environment?

A. calvus is a predator by nature and its body shape has been adapted to allow it to enter small crevices and gaps in the rockwork of Lake Tanganyika to prey on eggs, fry and small fish. Its laterally compressed shape makes the fish hard to spot head on, giving it an advantage over would be predators and prey alike.

What is the scientific name of the cichlid compressiceps?

The species name “compressiceps” is derived from its very laterally compressed head and body. It also has a high back and deep mouth. Other common names it is known by include Compressiceps Cichlid, Lamp Compressiceps, and Comps Cichlid.

What is wrong with my compressiceps?

The Compressiceps are susceptible to typical fish ailments, especially if water is stale and of poor quality and oxygenation. Malawi bloat is a typical disease especially if their dietary needs are not met with quality foods. One common problem is Ich. It can be treated with the elevation of the tank temperature to 86° F (30° C) for 3 days.

Is a compressed cichlid a shell dweller?

The Compressed Cichlids will inhabit the deep crevices of rocks and boulders and occasionally large shells, so can be called “opportunistic shell dwellers”. But this variant is a natural shell dweller, inhabiting and breeding in shells. This is a good fish for the intermediate and experienced cichlid keeper.

How long do calvus cichlids live?

Calvus Cichlids have an average life expectancy of 6-10 years. There are several different color variations of the Calvus Cichlid which results in many different common names, such as: White Pearly Calvus, Black Calvus, Congo Blackfin, Yellow Calvus, and Tanganyika Blackfin.

How do compressed cichlids breed?

Breeding: The Compressed Cichlid, Compressiceps, or Lamp Compressiceps are egg layers. They are sheltered substrate spawners. The female will pick a crevice too small for the male to enter to lay her eggs. The male will lie over the opening and release his sperm to fertilize the eggs.

What is the most compressed Malawi cichlid?

Dimidiochromis Compressiceps is literally the most compressed Malawi Cichlid. Its streamlined body makes this species a perfect predator; often referred to as the Malawi Eye-biter, it is the only known predator to eat its prey tail first.

What is wrong with my fish?

This is generally not good news and is not a disease in itself, but rather the result of an underlying illness. Could be caused by any number of things from bacterial infection to injury. Maybe start by giving the fish a salt treatment at the rate of 1 tsp/5 gallons. Use only salt that is not iodised (aquarium, rock or epsm salts are good).

What is wrong with my Goldfish?

Could be caused by any number of things from bacterial infection to injury. Maybe start by giving the fish a salt treatment at the rate of 1 tsp/5 gallons. Use only salt that is not iodised (aquarium, rock or epsm salts are good). Failing this try a treatment from a pet store that has an antibiotic.

What is wrong with my compressed cichlid?

The Compressed Cichlid is susceptible to typical fish ailments, especially if water is stale and of poor quality and oxygenation. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

What is a compressed cichlid?

The Compressed Cichlid Altolamprologus compressiceps was described by Boulenger in 1898. They are found in Lake Tanganyika, Africa. This species is listed on the IUCN Red List as Lease Concern (LC). Although it is endemic to Lake Malawi, it is widespread throughout the lake and has no recognized threats at present.

What is the best shell for cichlids?

It’s widely accepted that the shell of the Neothauma tanganyicense snail (pictured below), the largest gastropod in the lake, is preferred by most of the resident shell dwelling cichlids. It makes sense that these shells, which aren’t very large at their maximum size, would be the shell of choice.

How many cichlids should be in a 40 gallon tank?

A good rule to follow is one inch of fish per gallon of water, but keep in mind: Calvus Cichlids must be kept in at least a 40 gallon aquarium. Calvus Cichlids eventually grow to be 3-4 inches long. How do I setup a fish tank?

Can you breed monogamous cichlids?

See the description of breeding monogamous cichlids in: Breeding Freshwater Fish: Cichlids. The Compressed Cichlid is susceptible to typical fish ailments, especially if water is stale and of poor quality and oxygenation. An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

How long does it take a compressed cichlid to grow?

They are slow growers, taking up to 6 months to reach a size of one inch. See the description of breeding monogamous cichlids in: Breeding Freshwater Fish: Cichlids. The Compressed Cichlid is susceptible to typical fish ailments, especially if water is stale and of poor quality and oxygenation.

What kinds of fish live in Lake Malawi?

Another fish found in the depths of Lake Malawi is the Bumblebee Cichlid. Unlike Peacock Cichlids, these fish are found in caves and have a bright yellow, black or tan color. Hence, they are also known as Hornet Cichlids or Chameleon Cichlids.

How do you get rid of fish disease?

Quarantine any fish with signs of the disease. Isolate sick fish. Add antibiotics to the water and use antibiotic-medicated food. Maintain good water quality. Quarantine any fish with signs of the disease. Treat affected areas with topical disinfectants. Add Formalin solution to water.

What are the most common mistakes goldfish keepers make?

Keeping a constant saline solution in aquarium or pond water; a mistake many goldfish keepers make. Salt destroys bad bacteria and parasites, although both will quickly build resistance Poison is abused in the goldfish industry. Made up of dangerous chemicals, even the water treatment we use can injure our fish. Water treatment is a necessary evil.

Is your goldfish sick or not?

But before we go on, you should know this up front: If your goldfish isn’t well, there is a big chance that it actually doesn’t have a disease. Most goldfish who LOOK sick are really living in bad tank conditions.

Why does my African cichlid have open wounds on his body?

It causes sores and open wounds to appear on the body of your African cichlid. If you touch them, you can get tubercolosis as well. It is a very ugly disease for fish, as their fins get frayed, their stomact slowly turns inward and they develop white blotches as well.

What is the body shape of a cichlid?

As a group, cichlids exhibit a similar diversity of body shapes, ranging from strongly laterally compressed species (such as Altolamprologus, Pterophyllum, and Symphysodon) to species that are cylindrical and highly elongated (such as Julidochromis, Teleogramma, Teleocichla, Crenicichla, and Gobiocichla).

How many cichlids can I put in a 40G tank?

Do some research on what types of cichlids you want. Once you know what type of cichlids you want, we’d be more than happy to help you choose some compatible tankmates. Depending on what types you choose, you can put quite a few in a 40g. There are many possibilities.

What is the best community setup for a 40-gallon tank?

An example of a great community setup for a 40-gallon tank would be: Another setup that you might consider is a species-only tank, like in the case of some Cichlids. Although it may not seem very exciting at first, the best thing about this setup is how clean the tank looks with only a few fish swimming around.

How many goldfish can you keep in a 40-gallon tank?

You will only be able to keep one of the fancy goldfish breeds. A fish that masterfully combines an unusual shape with its original appearance, the gourami is a fish that every owner of a 40-gallon tank should definitely consider. You should be able to keep up to 10 of them in this volume.

Is a 40 gallon aquarium good for fish?

A 40 gallon aquarium is a fishkeeping hobby powerhouse. With a tank this size, you can keep a huge variety of fish – it is a great starter tank and is also widely used commercially. The great thing about these tanks is that they come in almost every imaginable form, whether it’s a panoramic hexagon or an ordinary rectangular tank.