East African Flameback Cichlid
 
Haplochromis sp. "Flameback" is a very attractive Lake Victorian fish with a bold red stripe down its back.  It is very prolific and consequently common cichlid available at reasonable prices here at our hatchery.

Flamebacks prefer the littoral zone in the wild, the intermediate area between the rocks and open, sandy bottom.  They feed on phytoplankton (diatoms and blue-green algae) and some insect larvae and zooplankton.  Foods high in Spirulina is recommended as their primary food with supplementary foods consisting of brine shrimp and daphnia.

In the aquarium, they exhibit relatively low levels of aggression, and are only mildly territorial, except when breeding.  It is important to keep these fish in large groups in aquariums for best results, with a ratio of at least 1 male to 2 females being ideal. 

They reach a maximum size of 4-4.5 inches and prefer a pH range of 7.6-8.4, with a temperature between 76F and 82F.  It is important to provide these fish with lots of hiding places in the aquarium because their living area has been greatly reduced.  Flamebacks exhibit their best color in dark aquariums with strong lighting (i.e., dark gravel and dark background). They are sensitive to nitrite.  Flamebacks are maternal mouthbrooders.  Broods often have 12-16 fry. When males prepare to spawn, they excavate shallow spawning pits and lure a willing female to it.  Sand or smaller sized crushed coral gravel is therefore recommended.

We are by far the best priced company out there for this gorgeous farm-raised fish!