Chromitdotilapia finleyi "Mungo"

[chromis]

Hi all

I have acquired two pairs of this fish. It looks like they are as they have the characteristic blue sheen on both cheeks of both sexes.

I was wondering if there are any special requirements these have. Anything that I should take note maybe to keep them hapy and healthy? Any advise would be appreciated.

Many Thanks
Chromis

 

[Randall]

Benitochromis finleyi

Hello Chromis,

Benitochromis finleyi is a member of the former Chromidotilapia batesii/finleyi species-complex, all species of which were referred to the newly erected genus Benitochromis by Anton Lamboj in 2001. It is a strikingly beautiful yet fairly undemanding species.

The River Mungo in west-central Cameroon contains soft, slightly alkaline water. For general husbandry and breeding, a temperature of about 76-degrees F is sufficient. In the wild, Benitochromis species are unspecific omnivores that eat small shrimps, shrimp eggs and insect larvae. Rich fatty foods should be avoided.

This species is a pair-bonding maternal ovophilic mouthbrooder. Maintaining good water quality is obligatory. Partial water changes should be performed weekly.

Good luck with your new acquisitions. Benitochromis finleyi is an unusually beautiful fish.

All the best,

Randall Kohn

 

[chromis]

Thank you very much for the pointers and advice Randall! They are beautiful fish and have started venturing out and interacting with the other inhabitants of the tank.

Chromis

 

[Lenny Llambi]

Two questions:

1) Should it be classified as Benitochromis or Chromidotilapia?

2) Outside of venting, are there any other distinguishing characteristics between males and females?

Thanks

Lenny

 

[Randall]

Benitochromis finleyi

Two questions:

1) Should it be classified as Benitochromis or Chromidotilapia?

2) Outside of venting, are there any other distinguishing characteristics between males and females?

Hello Lenny,

Benitochromis finleyi was assigned to the new genus in 2001. The species exhibits fairly low levels of sexual dimorphism and dichromatism; however, there are some distinguishing characteristics. Males grow larger than females and tend to exhibit more pronounced color-patterning on the fins. Females exhibit an iridescent rosy bar on the dorsal fin and on the upper margin of the caudal fin, much more so than males.

Beautiful fish!

All the best,

Randall Kohn