Thysochromis ansorgii

[Nebraska_cichlids]

I've got the opportunity to get some Thysochrmis ansorgii. From all I've read this seems to be a fairly easy-going, yet somewhat aggressive, species that can thrive even in moderately hard water. Any first-hand experince out there regarding water chemistry, diet, breeding, tank size, tankmates etc.? Thanks.

 

[aquaticclarity]

It’s a VERY easy to breed fish. A few years ago the fish was running rampant around the Milwaukee area stores. It got distributed through the local fish club and everyone and their brother breed the fish.

I found that small/younger pairs (around 2â€Â) breed better then larger animals. Water chemistry wasn’t important and didn’t even seem to play any role is determining they sex ratio of the youngsters. I was keeping and breeding T. ansorgi in 7.3 pH and 80-100ppm (4.5-5.5dH). The fish is an open substrate spawner that even laid eggs directly on the glass. I watched parental care for 1-2 weeks before I would pull the fry. The fish are sexable at around 1 ½â€Â. At that size the females while start to show the silver scales near the vent. Males lack the silver and get more patterning in the unpaired fins. I keep a pair in a 20H (24â€Âx12â€Âx16â€Â), bare bottom, and a sponge filter and some Java Moss for cover. I’ve never really witnessed any true aggression from T. ansorgi. Just the normal flaring of gills and fronting of rivals for territory. My adults were feed O.S.I flake food and occasionally baby brine shrimp (bbs). The fry are large enough to take bbs as soon as they are fry swimming. As far as tank mates go I’ve keep them with Pseudocrenilabrus nicholsi and rainbow fish with out issue.

For comparison I’d say a smaller but similar to keep and breed fish would be Anomalochromis thomasi. T. ansorgi is a pretty, undemanding fish. I slightly regret not keeping any around, but there are just so many fish and such little tank space.

Jeff

 

[Randall]

Hello Nebraska,

Thysochromis ansorgii is supposed to be a pair-bonding cave spawner that utilizes concealed areas with larger openings to breed. In aquaria, however, anything's possible, I guess.

Good luck!

Randall Kohn