Egyptian Mouthbrooder (Pseudocrenilabrus multicolor)

Overview:

Egyptian Mouthbrooder, also known as Pseudocrenilabrus multicolor, is a subspecies of cichlid. It is a small fish that originated from the lakes, rivers, and freshwater habitats of Eastern Africa from Egypt and as far south in Tanzania. The Egyptian mouthbrooders are easy to keep, and it is perfect for most aquarists.

Characteristics:

These amazing fishes can grow up to 8cm and tend to be aggressive to other species. The male ones are a little larger compared to their female counterparts, and the males are also more colorful when breeding.

Feeding:

Egyptian mouthbrooders are omnivores and can eat various food like micro pellets, mosquito larvae, bloodworm, daphnia, and brine shrimp.

Tank Requirements:

These fishes will thrive on a heavily planted tank, and the minimum tank size should be at least 20 gallons. It is ideal for putting caves and driftwoods so they can have a space to hide and play. Remember that a single male should be kept with several females.

Water Parameters:

• Temperature: 20 - 25 °C
• PH Level: 6.5 - 7.5
• Hardness: 5 - 15 dGH

Breeding:

Egyptian Mouthbrooders can breed on a wide range of water parameters, but the ideal PH Level is 7.0 and a temperature of 24 °C

When Maternal Mouthbrooders are ready to spawn, the male mouthbrooders dig a shallow pit on the subtrate and display themselves to females frequently to attract them into breeding.

There are times that the male could be a bit aggressive towards unreceptive females, And because of that, it is ideal for keeping them in a harem situation.

A receptive female mouthbrooder will accompany the male fish to the pre-dug pit and circle each other. After the female deposits eggs, she will immediately pick them with her mouth and nudge them to the vent of the male fish. It will signal him to release his milt that fertilizes the eggs.

At this point, it is ideal to transfer the female to a different aquarium and will mouthbrood the eggs within 9 - 11 days. After the egg hatches and fry starts free-swimming, the best foods that you can give them are micro worms, crushed flakes, and brine shrimp.