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Aulonocara baenschi, Meyer & Riehl, 1985

Origin: Lake Malawi

Etymology: Named in honour of H. Baensch.

Synonyms: None

First European import: Germany, 1984, by H. Diekhoff.

Description: See picture. Several varieties exist, Blue/Yellow from Chipoka, New Yellow Regal from Nkomo/Benga, Usisya and Marleri.

Care: Very peaceful fish, even suitable for a community tank, although the fish shouldn't be kept in soft or acidic water. A pH of 7.5 and a dGH of 10 or more are required. Regular waterchanges and well filtered water are recommended. Since Aulonocara baenschi doesn't eat plants, the tank can be planted with Vallisneria and other plants that do well in hard water. Large stones and some driftwood complete the setup.

Temperature: 22-26 degrees.

Feeding: Omnivorous, all food is accepted.

Size: Up to 10 cm

pH: 7.2-8.2

Breeding: If well fed a breeding pair will easily spawn. Mouthbreeder, the female will take the eggs in her mouth and fertilize them there with the males sperm.

Sexual dimorphism: Males brighlty blue/yellow, females are brown/black.

Prices: Around 20€

Additional:

Picture references: E. Naus

References:Baensch, H. A., Riehl, R.(1985): Aquarien Atlas II. Mergus Verlag, Melle, Germany.

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