A Colorful Jewel
Pseudocrenilabrus nicholsi is an incredibly beautiful relative of the Egyptian Mouthbrooder and P. philander philander. Aquarists are often captivated by its intense coloration, which surpasses many of its relatives, though it also possesses a significantly more feisty temperament. It originates from the Congo River basin in Africa.
Personal Experiences and Behavior
My experience with this species was marked by both success and loss. Following acquisition, I experienced the unusual scenario where the male passed away shortly after fertilizing the female. Despite this loss, the female managed to complete the mouthbrooding cycle. The species is generally more aggressive than other small mouthbrooders, but a lone female can, under the right circumstances, coexist with other cichlids as long as the pressure within the tank does not become excessive.
Breeding and Growth
The female is a dedicated mouthbrooder. Even a small female of just 3.5 cm can carry a brood of about 25 fry. The incubation period is relatively short, around 10 days, before the fry are released. To ensure rapid and healthy growth, intensive feeding with newly hatched brine shrimp is essential. Under proper conditions, the fry grow quite quickly and can be kept with other peaceful species during their early stages.
Aquarium Conditions
Although it is a small cichlid (approx. 7-9 cm), it requires a well-decorated aquarium with plenty of hiding spots. It is susceptible to stress from sudden changes in the environment or overcrowding, highlighting the importance of stable water parameters and sufficient space.
