INFO - "LABIDOCHROMIS FREIBERGI"

NAME: Freibergi Cichlid

GENUS: Labidochromis

SPECIES: Freibergi

ENDEMIC TO: Lake Malawi - AFRICA

MAX SIZE: 12cm

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

CLASS: Mouth brooding Mbuna

SEXUAL DIMORPHISM: Males and females are the same colour. Females are a slightly lighter shade of cobalt blue, where males possess darker finnage and in some instances contain egg spots in the anal fins. Diagnosis is most accurate via the vents of the fish at a mature age.

TEMPERAMENT: Males can be very territorial. The Friebergi is one of the more aggressive species in the labidochromis family. Even disadvantaged with its size this fish is still capable of causing havoc amongst its own species.

DIET REQUIREMENTS: Labidochromis Freibergi's 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. 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.

AUTHOR'S NOTES:

• Typical mbuna. Most suited to habitat with plenty of caves and crevices.
• L.Freibergi can be a shy fish. Housing them with other species that will not cause inter breeding will be most appropriate for them. Species such as electric blues, electras and dolphin cichlids.
• Buying juveniles to rear for a breeding colony - Always only select 1-2 largest ones from the same batch and 3-4 smaller ones to enhance the possibilities of a higher ratio of females to males.
• Labidochromis Freibergi 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 25 eggs.
• From date of spawning, fry should be free swimming after 12 days depending on water temperature.
• Easy to House and rear. Raise temperatures and feed live foods to optimise breeding.
• The Freibergi is moderately easy to breed provided it is contained in a healthy environment.

photo courtesy of Craig Parmley