Victorian Cichlid -Ruti Island Cichlid Pundamilia Nyererei Cichlid

Description

Ruti Island Cichlid
Pundamilia Nyererei Cichlid

Native to: Lake Victoria Africa
Max Size: about 5.0″
Temperament: Semi-aggressive
Water Temp: 74 – 79°F
Diet: Omnivore
Min. Tank Size: 50 Gal

The Pundamilia Nyererei Cichlid is am extremely popular Victorian cichlid, which is native to the shallow, rocky waters of Lake Victoria in Africa. The most popular species of Pundamilia nyererei are the “Super Red” found around Makobe Island and the Nyererie “Red” found around Ruti Island. Males are probably the most colorful of all the African Rift Lake cichlids. They feature red to orange color running along the top of their body and dorsal fin, while the lower portion of their body is greenish-yellow with several black vertical bars. Females remain a dull grey or brown color as pictured.

Pundamilia nyererei prefer hard alkaline waters of Lake Victoria in Africa. It is best practice to set up an aquarium to mimic similar water conditions to allow these fish to display their best colors! The water temp should be between 78 – 82°F with a pH between 7.8 – 8.6 for best results. The aquarium substrate should be sand or fine gravel, and it should be decorated with plenty of rocks and caves for the fish to use as territories.

Pundamilia nyererei cichlids are omnivorous and should be fed a variety of vegetable and protein based foods. Plankton or spirulina based flakes mixed with commercially prepared cichlid pellets are good choices for their diet. Such foods will help bring out the bright red, yellow and green colors which make these fish so popular. The Pundamilia nyerere is a maternal mouthbrooder. While spawning the female circle and pick up the eggs to protect them in her mouth. Females may continue to carry the eggs and fry in their mouth for two weeks or longer. Spawing in a home aquarium works best when there are several females with one male. This will help spread out any aggression displayed by the male.