|
|
|
Cynotilapia zebroides (formerly known as Cynotilapia afra) has a lot of geographical variants which can be found all around the lake. However, in these different populations also exist many different color patterns. It's possible to find territorial males within a range of a few meters with a white, black, orange or yellow dorsal fin. They are living in the deeper rocky environments but also in intermediate zones from rocks to sand. All these variants have their own specific color pattern and also different trade names like Cynotilapia zebroides "Likoma" red top is one of them. This red top variant is found near Likoma Island. In the lake the males of these species can grow to 9 cm, in the aquarium however they can grow taller because of a good feeding. The males can then grow to about 12 cm, females grow to about 9 cm. Cynotilapia zebroides "Likoma" red top can behave intolerant against equal species but also to other inhabitants. You can best keep this species with multiple females and a lot of hiding places in the aquarium. In the lake, they feed primarily on plankton but also with algae that grow on the rocks. In the aquarium they are comfortable with any food. They take everything they get offered, like spirulina pellets, mysis, artemia, cyclops and shrimp-peas mix. 
|