INFO - "KINGSIZEI".

NAME: Kingsizei

GENUS: Pseudotropheus

SPECIES: Kingsizei (Lupingu - Gold/ Likoma - Blue)

ENDEMIC TO: Lake Malawi - AFRICA

MAX SIZE: 12.5cm

WATER PARAMETERS: 24-28c / ph 7.2 to 8.5

CLASS: Mouth brooding Mbuna

SEXUAL DIMORPHISM: This species of Pseudotropheus is sexually dimorphic. Of the 2 colour variants the Likoma Blue Kingsizei is more dimorphic than its cousin. Blue Kingsizei males are a cobalt blue with vertical black barring down the lateral sides of their body. The black colouration extends to their caudal (tail), anal and pelvic fins. Males also exhibit a white blaze through their dorsal. Blue Kingsizei females are predominantly a brown base with black bars and have an irredescent yellow shading through their finnage. Diagnosis is most accurate via the vents of the fish at a mature age. Both (m + f) Gold Kingsizei are very similar in colour. Males display stronger gold and blue colours with extended dorsal fins where as their female counter parts are duller and smaller in size. Egg spots are more prominent in the males of the latter species.

TEMPERAMENT: Kingsizei carry traits and characteristics of any typical mbuna. They will defend their territory vigorously especially pre and post breeding. They are not overly dominant towards other tank inhabitants and due to their smaller size will not cause damage to the extent of other larger zebra species.

DIET REQUIREMENTS: Pseudotropheus Kingsizei are herbivorous and their diet in the wild consist of predominantly algae and other vegetation however they also opportunistically feed on insects and small invertebrates. In captivity, they readily take dry foods (sinking pellets/flakes), frozen blood worms/brine shrimp and live foods. Vegetable or spirulina based foods are ideal but it is recommended that you provide your fish with a varied diet by supplementing with frozen or live foods at least once a week to further ensure your fish remain vibrant and healthy. Excessive intake of protein to this family of fish may cause health problems.

AUTHOR'S NOTES:

• Typical mbuna. Most suited to habitat with plenty of caves and crevices.


• This species of Pseudotropheus has been re-classified into the Metriaclima GENUS.


• Although Lupingu GOLD and Likoma BLUE Kingsizei are distinctively different in colouration their temperament and attributes are almost identical.


• Kingsizei are best housed with haplochromides or in a single species tank for breeding purposes. It is advised to keep this species separated from other Pseudotropheus sp to prevent interbreeding.


• Selecting juveniles at a size of 5-6cm should allow you to differentiate males and females. Males from the batch will be bigger and more colourful.


• Kingsizei will breed comfortably in colonies of 1 male and 3 females. The more counterparts in the colony will mean the mouth brooding female has better opportunities to escape constant harassment from dominant males.


• Generally an adult mouth brooding female will hold up to 20 eggs.


• From date of spawning, fry should be free swimming after 14 days depending on water temperature.


• Easy to House and rear. Raise temperatures and feed live foods to optimise breeding.


• Kingsizei are moderately easy to breed provided it is contained in a healthy environment and dominant males are not in competition with other more larger species in the aquarium.
• On a scale of 1-10 (ten being the hardest) this species scores a 5 for ease of breeding.
• Kingsizei may be housed successfully in a community aquarium provided there is ample caves to seek refuge in the event of harrassment via larger African species.
  

photos courtesy of poissons.aliceblogs and www.cichlids.net.