African Fish Species

WATER:pH: 7.0-7.5, 6-10 dH, 77-81 F (25-27 C)

TANK:The water in this habitat is highly oxygenated due to the turbulence created by the rapids -- therefore the water in the aquarium should be well-aerated. Leave plenty of open swimming area, but use some large rocks. The substrate should be fine gravel or sand. To create water current, place a spray bar from a canister filter, or a strong circulating pump at one end of the aquarium.

PLANTS:Because of the strong water current, the rapids are not a hospitable place for plants.In the aquarium, plants can be used if they well anchored or protected from the current.Plants suitable for such an environment include the African Water Fern (Bolbitis heudeloti) and Anubias species.

FISH:Eutropiellus (glass catfish), Synodontis, Steatocranus (Cichlid 10cm), Teleogramma (Cichlid 10cm), Lamprologus (cichlid)

WATER:

pH: 7.8-9.0, 12-20 dH, 75-82 F (24-28 C)

TANK:A rocky set-up, complete with caves and ledges is recommended.The substrate should be fine gravel or sand, scattered with snail shells. Use an efficient filter that creates little water current. Make frequent water changes since Lake Tanganyika species are especially sensitive to water pollutants.

PLANTS: Vallisneria is the only commercially available species, but Anubias and Java Fern are also suitable if the aquariast is willing to bend the biotope rules.

FISH: Lake Tanganyika cichlids including snail shell-dwellers, Synodontis, Afromastacembelus eels, Tanganyika Rainbowfish.

WATER: pH: 7.0-8.0, 8-19 dH, 75-84 F (24-29 C)

TANK:Use silica (silver) or very fine gravel for the substrate. Lighting can be bright and the tank should be heavily planted. Driftwood can be used as desired. The water should be clear and have a slow to moderate current.

PLANTS: Aponogeton boivinianus, Aponogeton longiplumulosus, Aponogeton Madagascariensis [the plant has been so sought after that is have been depleted over its natural range (care tips, more info)], Aponogeton ulvaceus, Lagarosiphon Madagascariensis, Bacopa Madagascariensis, Hydrotriche hottoniifloria, Blyxa aubertii, and Cyperus alternifolius

FISH: Rainbowfish - Bedotia geayi - Madagascar Rainbowfish, Red-tailed Silverside. "Occurs in coastal rivers, up to an altitude of 500 m" (Fishbase),Rheoclessp., Cichlids, Paretroplus (Lamena) nourissati, Paretroplus (Lamena)damii, Paretroplus (Lamena)kieneri, Paretroplus (Lamena)maculatus, Paretroplus (Lamena)petiti, Killifish, Pachypanchaxsakaramyi. (Fishbase), Pachypanchax omalonotus (Fishbase), Gobies,

WATER: pH 7.8-8.6, 6-10 dH, 72-82 F (23-28 C)

TANK:Please see the description on Lake Malawi cichlids for details.

PLANTS:Vallisneria is the only commercially available species, but Anubias and Java Fern are also suitable if the aquariast is willing to bend the biotope rules.

FISH:Lake Malawi cichlids (Mbuna, Peacock cichlids, Others), Synodontis

WATER: pH 6.9-7.2, 3-8 dH, 75-81 F (24-27 C)

TANK: The tank should be furnished with wood for hiding places, and fine gravel or sand for a substrate.The lighting should be muted, and the water should have a slight current.

PLANTS: African Water Fern, Anubias, Vallisneria, Eleocharis.

FISH:African tetras, Mormyrids(Elephant fish) , African Knifefish, African Butterfly fish, Synodontis, Hemichromis (Juwel cichlid), Pelvicachromis (Kribensis)