Calvus cichlid

The Calvus cichlid might be the ideal addition to your aquarium if you’re trying to add a bit of exotic beauty. This gorgeous fish, which is native to the African region of Lake Tanganyika, is well-known for both its unusual appearance and behavior. Its striking coloration and sleek, elongated body make it stand out in any tank, attracting the interest of both inexperienced and seasoned fishkeepers.

Calvus cichlids have intriguing personalities in addition to being aesthetically pleasing. Compared to other cichlids, they are typically more shy and prefer to hide among decorations and rocks. This lends them a certain air of mystery and intrigue to their observation and care. They are an excellent option for aquariums that seek to replicate their natural habitat because of their serene disposition and fascinating interactions with their surroundings.

It takes careful attention to detail to keep a healthy Calvus cichlid, especially when it comes to setting up the proper habitat. These fish do well in aquariums that mimic the alkaline, stony waters of Lake Tanganyika. Your Calvus cichlid will not only live through your aquarium, but will thrive if you understand its needs and give it the proper care, allowing it to display its natural beauty and behavior.

Feature Description
Scientific Name Altolamprologus calvus
Origin Lake Tanganyika, Africa
Size Up to 13 cm (5 inches)
Diet Carnivorous – feeds on small fish and invertebrates
Tank Size Minimum 75 liters (20 gallons)
Water Conditions pH 7.8-9.0, temperature 24-28°C (75-82°F)
Temperament Semi-aggressive, best kept with similar-sized fish
Breeding Egg-layer, typically hides eggs in rock crevices

Habitat

Native to Africa’s Lake Tanganyika, which lies primarily between Tanzania and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. only makes their home on the rocky coast.

In a nutshell:

  • Aquarium volume – from 150 l.
  • Temperature — 24–27°C
  • pH value — 7.5–9.0
  • Water hardness – medium hardness (8-21 dGH)
  • Substrate type — sandy/rocky
  • Lighting — moderate
  • Brackish water — no
  • Water movement — weak, moderate
  • Fish size — 12–14 cm.
  • Diet — meaty food
  • Temperament — relatively peaceful
  • Keeping in pairs or in a harem with one male and several females

Description

Adults can grow up to 14 cm in length. Male sexual dimorphism is minimal, with males being marginally bigger than females. Colors range from dark to gray. The stripes on the body are dark and vertical. The species is characterized by an elongated head and a laterally compressed body. With this kind of structure, the fish can squeeze into small cracks and hunt among the rocks.

Diet

A predator is a member of the carnivorous family. It can accept frozen or fresh meat products in a home aquarium. For instance, brine shrimp, mussels, fish flesh, or other invertebrates like big bloodworms.

A biotope aquarium that replicates Lake Tanganyika’s natural habitat is the ideal setting. Many Calvus cichlids have tanks as small as 150 liters. Grottoes and crevices are created by the design’s use of piles of stones and broken rock. It has been observed that fish with dark substrates have more vibrant coloring, whereas fish with light substrates have duller coloring. Maintaining stable water conditions with appropriate hydrochemical values is essential. It is required to install a productive filtration system and to replace a portion of the water with fresh water once a week. Cleaning the aquarium on a regular basis is also very important.

Behavior and compatibility

Refers to a predatory and territorial species that is also generally peaceful. ideal for peaceful species from the Tanganyika Lake. Fish that can fit in Calvus’s mouth, such as Mbuna cichlids, and other aggressive fish should not be added. You can store them in small groups or in pairs.

Aquarium enthusiasts often choose the fascinating species of Calvus cichlid from the African Rift Lakes because of its eye-catching appearance and fascinating behaviors. The Calvus cichlid, which is distinguished by its elongated body and unusual coloring, gives any tank a dash of sophistication mixed with a hint of the wild. For those prepared to provide the particular care requirements, this fascinating fish will thrive in a home that takes into account its natural habitat, dietary requirements, and social behavior.

Breeding / reproduction

Calvus cichlids form a pair for the breeding season, but only if they grew up together. If you add two or more adult fish grown in different places, then you can forget about breeding.
The fish are capable of reproducing in a common home aquarium, but it is unlikely that they will be able to raise offspring. There is a high probability that they will become victims of other fish and males. Favorable conditions are achieved in a separate spawning tank. With the onset of the mating season, the male chooses a crevice or grotto and invites the female to it. The eggs are fixed inside the cave, the male is located outside and releases the seed. Then it inflates with its fins towards the eggs – this is how fertilization occurs. The pair guards the clutch in turns. After 8-10 days, fry appear, after another couple of days they begin to swim freely. From this moment, it is advisable to remove the male so that he does not ate his own offspring. Females usually do not touch them.
Feed Artemia nauplii, small bloodworms.
Fry grow unevenly. As smaller fish grow older, they need to be replanted, otherwise they can be eaten.

The Calvus cichlid is an amazing addition to any freshwater aquarium because of its unusual appearance and captivating behavior. It adds a touch of elegance to your tank and stands out from other fish thanks to its distinctive, laterally compressed body and striking patterns. Because calvus cichlids grow slowly, their owners must be patient with them, but the reward is a long-lived, healthy fish that can flourish in a well-kept aquarium.

It’s crucial to replicate the natural habitat of Calvus cichlids in an aquarium. This species does well in stony settings with lots of hiding places because it makes them feel safe and less stressed. Sustaining optimal water quality and offering a diverse diet are essential for maintaining the well-being of these cichlids.

Calvus cichlids are generally calm, but they can become aggressive, especially during mating season. It’s crucial to pick your tank mates wisely, preferably with species that have similar temperaments and habitat requirements. You can take years to appreciate the fascinating behaviors and stunning appearance of the Calvus cichlid by maintaining a peaceful tank environment.

Video on the topic

Calvus hunts. (Altolamprologus calvus)

Calvus fry began to eat

Introduction to Altolamprologus calvus

The ideal cichlid – Lamprologus speckled-tail / Neolamprologus caudopunctatus

Altolamprologus Calvus Cichlid Aquarium Maintenance Breeding Compatibility Altolamprologus

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Olga Vishnevskaya

Biologist by education, aquarist by vocation. Specialization — breeding and care of freshwater aquarium plants. Since childhood I have been fond of aquariums, constantly experimenting with creating biotopes and selecting flora for various types of aquariums. I am sure that green aquariums can transform any interior and improve the quality of life.

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