Mesonauta insignis
 

86°F
Explanation of the symbols

79°F

Family : Cichlidae
Origin : Venezuela, Brazil
Length : 20 cm - 8"
Min. length aquarium : 180 cm - 70"
Calm, now and then somewhat shy, peaceful fish.  The aquarium should be set up with stones, driftwood and rocks that make hiding places.  Some hard plants can be used for decoration as well.  Floating plants are appreciated, because they can be used for hiding places.  The aquarium should be at least 50 cm (20") high.

You should give them small live food such as mosquito larvae, Mysis and Artemia.  A part of the food should be vegetable, for instance spinach or lettuce.  Dry food is accepted as well.

Breeding is not easy.  They form a couple for live.  Up to 1000 eggs are laid and fertilized on a vertical root or plant-leaves.  The eggs hatch after 3 days.  The hatched larvae can't swim yet and they fall to the bottom of the aquarium.  The parents often are not quick enough to save them from the other fishes.

 

Photo Credit

Jan Bukkems

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