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Care and Compatibility of Johanni Cichlid - Melanochromis johannii
Introduction
The Melanochromis johannii, also known as the Johanni Cichlid or Bluegray Mbuna, is a species of cichlid endemic to Lake Malawi in Africa. It has an elongated body shape and striking coloration, with males being more colorful than females. The base color is bright blue with dark vertical stripes and yellow fins. They are territorial and aggressive fish, so it is recommended to keep them in spacious aquariums with plenty of rocks and hiding places to establish their territory. In terms of feeding, they are omnivorous and consume a variety of foods, including algae, small invertebrates, and commercial foods in the form of pellets and flakes. During reproduction, males display courtship behavior and construct nests on flat surfaces. The female deposits the eggs in the nest, and the male fertilizes them. The male then guards and fans the eggs until they hatch, and the fry swim freely.
Behavior
Melanochromis johannii is a territorial and aggressive cichlid, especially during the breeding season. Males typically exhibit more intense colors and display courtship behaviors to attract females. It is recommended to keep them in spacious aquariums with plenty of rocks and hiding places to allow them to establish their territory and reduce aggression between them and other fish. They are active swimmers and can be quite active in the aquarium. Maintaining good water quality with proper parameters and performing regular water changes is essential for their well-being.
Sexual Dimorphism
Sexual dimorphism in Melanochromis johannii is evident. Males have more intense colors and often exhibit a distinctive stripe pattern, while females tend to be duller in color. During the breeding season, males may exhibit more pronounced territorial behavior.
Reproduction
Reproduction in Melanochromis johannii is oviparous. During courtship, males exhibit colorful displays and construct nests on flat surfaces such as rocks or coconut shells. The female deposits the eggs in the nest, and the male fertilizes them. After fertilization, the male takes on the responsibility of guarding and fanning the eggs to maintain proper oxygenation. The eggs hatch in about a week, and the fry are guided by the male to feeding and sheltered areas. Providing hiding places and structures in the aquarium is recommended to protect the fry and ensure their survival.
Aquarium Conditions
Melanochromis johannii is an African mbuna cichlid that requires an aquarium with rocks, hiding spots, and open swimming areas. It prefers alkaline water and warm temperature. Aquarium décor should include stacked rocks and sand to recreate its natural habitat in Lake Malawi. Maintaining water quality is important and providing a varied diet.
Feeding
The Melanochromis johannii is an omnivorous fish that feeds on a variety of foods. Their diet includes algae, small aquatic invertebrates, and commercial foods in the form of pellets and flakes. It is recommended to provide a varied diet that includes both plant-based and protein-based foods to ensure balanced nutrition. They can also accept live or frozen foods such as daphnia, brine shrimp, and mosquito larvae as supplements. It is important to avoid overfeeding and maintain good water quality.
Complexity
Caring for Melanochromis johannii can be moderately challenging. They are territorial fish and can be aggressive towards other fish, especially during breeding and territory defense. It's recommended to keep them in groups with other mbuna species and provide enough hiding spots to reduce aggression. They require a balanced diet and regular aquarium maintenance.
In case you need more help, or if you want to know into any topic related to the Melanochromis johannii (Johanni Cichlid) and even any other species you can use the forums to ask what you need.
To do an analysis more detailed about coexistence and behavior of Melanochromis johannii (Johanni Cichlid) use the Aquarium simulation tool, if you do this you can test different ways to combine the Johanni Cichlid with other fishes giving the dimensions and space on you aquarium, on this way you can known the optimal configuration for keep the fishes that you want.
You can also find out the 18 species compatible with the Melanochromis johannii (Johanni Cichlid) can live together.
Note: The parameters of the water such as PH and temperature are also used to calculate the compatibility of the species.
Compatible species (18)
Compatible (2 Species)
Compatible without any restriction
With Reservation (13 Species)
Compatible in some cases, it depends on the nature and personality of the fish.
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Estos peces son ciclidos africanos del lago Malawi agresivos, por lo general pueden convivir con otros Mbunas agresivos si cuentan con espacio suficiente en el acuario, rocas y escondites donde puedan refugiarse de ser necesario.
Showdown over territory (1 Species)
Como a estos peces les gusta estar refugiados en diferentes ubicaciones del acuario ya sean en plantas, troncos, rocas etc, si otro pez intenta entrar donde está escondido podrían haber confrontaciones por ese refugio.
Considerable size difference (1 Species)
They can coexist while they are similar in size or the size difference is not very abysmal, since as the fish grows it increases the chances of eating its partner that did not grow much.
Compatible if space is enough (1 Species)
They can coexist together if the aquarium they share is large and spacious enough for both species to feel good, as some fish may attack others to feel that they have little space and try to eliminate the competition.
Johanni Cichlid
Melanochromis johannii
- Ph: 7.7 - 8.2
- Temperature (c°): 23 - 27
- Measures: 12 cm
- Aquarium Capacity:
48 Liters - 13 Gallons - Behavior: Aggressive, Likes to take refuge
- Size: Medium
- Swimming area: Swim in the middle of the aquarium
- Taxonomy: Mbunas
- Water Type: Sweet water