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Well, you could try a 10 with the brichardis -
the one thing i've learned about africans is that you can always learn more. As
far as harem breeding goes, it only seems to work well when the fish have a lot
of space. Females generally need to have a nook or a space hidden from the other
females in which to raise their young. Interestingly, this species raises broods
extremely fast. I have found that as soon as one clutch is free-swimming, they
will lay another batch of eggs (in my case, 8-10 days later) and the older ones
are moved out from the females central area. Each brood expands their range as
they age. However, the female (and the male) seem to expand the territory they
protect with the expansion of the fry. So what may have been a safe harem
breeding situation can become a war-zone when the females territories
intersect.
Coral sand is generally a good substrate for africans because
it raises the hardness and pH. (I filter my tanks through it). I have also
improved my fishes vitality by adding epsom salts and No Salt (a potassium-based
salt substitute here in Canada). Don't use the 1/2 sodium 1/2 potassium stuff
though.
As far as books go, I am still a fan of a book I picked up
years ago by Ad Konings called Tanganyika Cichlids. I think the publisher is
Verduijn Cichlids. For wish listing, I generally pour through my old Aqualex
Catalogue.
On another note, do you have the address for the cichlid
listserve?
thanks
dominic
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