African Cichlid – Silver Katana Cichlid (Haplochromis’ thereuterion) – 4cm

From the northern areas of Mwanza Gulf, Lake Victoria originates a rather unique cichlid: ‘Haplochromis’ thereuterion. It can be found over areas of rock and stony outcroppings at Nyegezi Bay, Nyegezi Rocks, Hippo Island, Anchor Island and along the mainland shore.  Haplochromis’ thereuterion ia a surface feeding insectivores found in large groups inhabiting the upper portion of the water column and feeding in the open. For several years it was thought that this species was another victim that L. niloticus had pushed to extinction. In 1996 Seehausen found this species once again at Kissenda Island in the northwest portion of Mwanza Gulf. The ever adaptable cichlid had not only changed its habitat (now a rock cichlid as many other furu) but also its feeding strategy and now subsisted

The basic body shape is reminiscent of themany species included in the Tanganyikan genus Cyprichromis. Interestingly, the similar body shape was not the only characteristicthat these fish shared. Their very behavior in many ways paralleled one another. This translates well to the aquarium. If one has had success with Cyprichromis, following the same basic regiment, one should do fine with ‘H.’ thereuterion. mainly on insect larvae.

• Species – Haplochromis’ thereuterion
• Common Name – Silver Katana Cichlid
• Origin – Lake Victoria
• Diet – Omnivore
• PH Range – Alkaline 7.5 – 8.5
• Water Type – Hard
• Temperature – Tropical 24°c
• Breed Type – Mouth brooder
• Current Size – approximately 4cm (Grows to approximately 10cm)
• Sex – Un-sexed