Exotic beauty Pseudotropheus elongatus. Description of varieties and care

The pseudotropheus elongatus is a great option if you want to give your aquarium a dash of exotic beauty. With its eye-catching look and vivid colors, this species of cichlid makes a statement in any aquarium. These fish, with their distinctive appearance and vibrant personalities, add a hint of the wild to your aquarium. They are native to the rocky shores of Lake Tanganyika in Africa.

Pseudotropheus elongatus, sometimes known as just the "Elongatus," is distinguished from other cichlids by its sleek, elongated body. Though its hues can vary, you can frequently find vivid purples and blues that shimmer beneath the water’s surface. This species of fish has several varieties, each with subtle color and pattern variations of its own, making it an intriguing fish for enthusiasts to investigate.

Although taking care of an Elongatus can be rewarding, there are certain things to keep in mind. Because of their reputation for being territorial, it’s important to provide them lots of hiding places and a well-organized habitat. They also do well in stable, slightly alkaline water, which is similar to their natural environment. These cichlids can become the focal point of your aquarium with the correct arrangement, showcasing their vibrant colors and captivating behaviors for many years to come.

Aspect Details
Scientific Name Pseudotropheus elongatus
Common Name Elongate Mbuna
Origin Lake Tanganyika, Africa
Size Up to 6 inches (15 cm)
Appearance Slender body, vibrant colors with blue and yellow
Varieties Several color morphs including "Blue" and "Yellow"
Tank Setup Rocky setup with plenty of hiding spots
Water Conditions Hard, alkaline water; temperature 75-82°F (24-28°C)
Diet Omnivorous; algae-based foods, protein supplements
Behavior Aggressive; best kept with similar-sized, robust fish
Breeding Maternal mouthbrooder; female carries eggs and fry in her mouth
Care Level Intermediate; requires attention to water quality and aggression management

Description of the fish

The ray-finned fish genus Pseudotropheus (Pseudotropheus sp.) is a member of the Cichlidae family. They are indigenous to Lake Malawi in its natural state. Identify as Mbun, which translates to "fish living on stones."

This name did not come to them by accident. Their primary food source is algae, which they remove with their pointed teeth. They are found close to the rocky coasts, where they have built shelters.

Rybka has a tall, flattened body with expressive, big eyes, well-defined lips, and teeth that look like graters. Depending on the breed, these representatives differ in size and color. Males can reach up to 14 cm in length on average, while females can only reach up to 10 cm.

It is not possible to attribute pseudo-orus to the fish lungs in the text. It is advised to begin them with experienced and highly skilled aquarists.

What water is needed?

Water needs to have the following qualities in order to get close to the natural conditions of fish content:

  • The water temperature should be from 25 to 29 degrees;
  • rigidity – from 3 to 19;
  • Reaction – from 7.3 to 8.4.

Citation! The acceptability range for water hardness indicators is the broadest, ranging from 4 to 20 units.

What plants do they prefer and how many should there be?

For keeping pseudotropheus in an aquarium, there should be a lot of vegetation—preferably dense vegetation. Selecting large bushes with broad leaves is essential. These fish will need the shade that tall algae will provide.

Reference: To prevent cichlids from pulling plants out of the ground, it is imperative to select plants with established roots.

Lighting

Since these fish inhabit deep waters in their natural habitat, the aquarium’s lighting should be subdued. Plant growth is the only reason the tank needs light.

Soil

When keeping pseudotropheus in an aquarium, only natural stones should be used. Granite and sea minerals can also be used. Since these fish enjoy making holes in the ground, there should be a thick layer of substrate.

Compatibility with other fish

Since Pseudotropheus is an aggressive species, it is best to group individual fish into a group that consists of one male and several females. Individuals should not be kept with peaceful fish species.

Feeding

These fish have a peculiar feeding strategy in the wild. They hold themselves at a 45-degree angle and scrape growths from underwater rocks. Instead of adhering to the rocks, they suck out whatever comes into their mouths. These are typically silica or algae.

Fish should consume 40% live food and 60% plant food in their diet. The fish adore bloodworms, cyclops, daphnia, and tubifex.

Breeding

The fish can reproduce when they are a year old. You can use a 100-liter aquarium as a spawning tank.

Citation! A varied diet is necessary for the fish during the spawning period.

Following spawning, the female keeps the eggs in her mouth for a maximum of thirty days. As a result, the fry stay close to their mother once they emerge.

Crucial! It is advised to move the egg-bearing female into a different container so she won’t have to defend herself against attacks from family members. The young fish can be put back into the water after they hatch.

Types

Since there are many subspecies of fish in nature, there is a large variety of fish available in pet stores. Their characteristics, colors, and sizes vary.

Pseudotototus Elongatus Manga

The length of this species of fish (Chindongo Elongatus mpanga) can reach up to 10 cm. Its light and dark blue stripes reflect the color of the majority of its body. The borders of all fins are dark or black. The tail fin has a vivid yellow paint job.

An aquarium that holds 200 liters is appropriate given the species’ contents. Territorial and aggressive appearance; best kept with Malavian cichlids in a species aquarium.

Pseudotototus Elongatus Tyilosi

The light-blue body color of Elongatus Tyilosi (Pseudotropheus Elongatus Chailosi) sets it apart from the other representatives, as it has black transverse stripes. These fish are unique in that they have a vivid orange tail.

You will need an aquarium with a minimum capacity of 100 liters to house them. Because they don’t have enough room, fish are territorial and will often fight among themselves. For this reason, having an aquarium that is at least one meter long is ideal. Males can acquire a vibrant color in such a volume.

Over time, if the fish in the tank have enough places to hide, the school may split up into multiple pairs. The best way to arrange the fish in your aquarium is to make it look like a rocky landscape. You can also keep other active fish, like barbs, catfish, and rainbowfish, with these Pseudotropheus representatives.

Pseudotropheus elongatus chewere

Elongatus chewere, also known as Pseudotropheus elongatus chewere, requires little maintenance and is appropriate for novice aquarium keepers. Its pectoral fins feature elongated rays, and its body is a deep blue color. These representatives also possess big eyes encircled by an orange shell. Males measure 12 cm, while females measure 10 cm.

The fish can be hostile at times. They can be kept in pairs, but it’s best to add a few more females if the male is persistently chasing the female. A tank that holds at least 150 liters should be used to house these fish.

Add half of the aquarium water twice a week to ensure that the water in the tank is changed on a regular basis. It also requires filtering and aeration.

Pseudotropheus elongatus neon spot

In an aquarium, the neon spot (Pseudotropheus elongatus spot) reaches a length of 8 to 10 cm. Males become completely colorless when scared, making it impossible to tell them apart from females. You must feed the fish a mixed diet that includes both plant and animal components. At least 150 liters should be the minimum capacity of the aquarium used to house them.

This fish is a harem, meaning that there are at least two aggressively territorial females for every male.

Pseudotropheus elongatus bee chirwa

Pseudotropheus elongatus bee chirwa, or bee chirwa, can reach a maximum length of 12 cm. These representatives have gray fry that develop into dark, purple-tinged stripes as they get bigger. Since this species’ males are polygamous, it is advised to keep one male and multiple females.

The fish require a large aquarium with lots of cover, robust plants, and room to swim.

Pseudotropheus elongatus ornatus

Pseudotropheus sp. ornatus males are distinguished by their straight mouths and blue bodies. Fry and females have a black submarginal stripe on the fin and are yellowish in color.

The fish are territorial and defend their area, just like all other members of their family. Males within the same species tend to exhibit the most aggression.

Fish in aquariums consume food that is high in plant matter.

In conclusion, the Pseudotropheus elongatus is an intriguing fish that infuses any aquarium with a hint of exotica. It stands out as a great option for enthusiasts wishing to add a splash of vibrant life to their tanks because of its striking appearance and distinctive behaviors. Every fish is a living piece of art due to the variety of colors and patterns it displays.

Maintaining these magnificent creatures’ health and beauty requires proper care. Pseudotropheus elongatus will flourish if the proper conditions are provided, such as plenty of room, ideal water, and a balanced diet. You can keep your fish happy and healthy by doing regular maintenance on their tanks and by keeping an eye on them.

A satisfying experience is provided by the Pseudotropheus elongatus, regardless of your level of experience. You can create a vibrant and thriving aquarium that showcases the ultimate beauty of these exotic fish by learning about their care requirements and understanding what they need.

The Pseudotropheus elongatus is an intriguing option for aquarium enthusiasts wishing to infuse their tanks with a hint of exotic beauty because of its remarkable appearance and vivid colors. This post will explore the different types of this gorgeous fish, stressing their special qualities and providing helpful maintenance advice. You’ll find all the important information required to keep these fascinating fish flourishing in your aquarium, from creating the ideal environment to making sure proper diet and tank mates.

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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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