Now here I got a bit confused. If you look at the following three
pages
you will see (in order) a rather stunning yellow fish, a not quite
as
stunning but nevertheless very attractive black and white fish and a
rather dull (IMHO) fish.
Does this simply indicate variations in the species (like all the
colour
variations in angel fish for example), or are they distinct species
?
Are they all easy to find ?

There are numerous color variants of the Altolamprologus Calvus and
Compressiceps. Their color depends on the location of where they were
collected. Some are called "red" and some are called "yellow" but
neither exhibit vibrant coloration. A rusty color is most likely what
you will see in most conditions. The flash of a camera will often
misrepresent the true color. My preference is the "white" or "black"
Calvus, but that's just me. You may like the others and that's fine.
They all behave and grow the same. Although different color morphs
can cross, it is very unlikely.

What mix would you recommend ? I'm not looking for a "bit of
everything"
tank, so don't feel you have to work out a mix that includes all
four.

Not too worried about spawning anyway. Whilst it's exciting, it does
raise the problems of what to do with the fry in the time between
being
too big to stay in the original tank and being big enough to sell.


The four species I mentioned and the ratio should co-exist without too
much trouble and offer some interesting entertainment. If you don't
want to raise the fry that's fine. These fish will have no problem
snacking on them. The Calvus is an ambush predator and fry are the
common diet, but the other fish won't pass up an opportunity either.
Spawning is what cichlids are best at and providing the habitat will
let them exhibit the behavior they're best known for.

Bear in mind I'm looking at a 24" cube tank 'cos I don't have space
for
a bigger one !!

Your fluctuations in water parameters would be less drastic with more
volume. At almost 2.5 gallons per 1-inch of height, an 18-inch high
tank will give you a 40-gallon tank which I think would suffice.

Thanx very much for the reply. Any further info would be greatly
appreciated.

Choose a light-colored substrate and the Leleupi will show much better
color. I like to use sandblasting sand but many people don't. It
costs approx $5 at the local lumber mart, won't cloud the water, and
these fish can do their landscaping much easier. The shell dwellers
will utilize snail shells for their homes and protection, Calvus like
conch shells, and the other two like caves.

--

Mark
http://www.cichliddomain.com