Ask
the Armkes independently to name our favorites among the fish
we keep and we would likely come up with quite different “top
10s”.
Among
fish likely to make both our lists, however, is a mated pair of
the “masked Chalinochromis”, Chalinochromis brichardi.
What
makes this an especially nice tribute to this wonderful fish is
this:
It
has held that position with us since we were first able to acquire
a bag of four young at the 1993 American Cichlid Association (ACA)
convention in Minneapolis. Many new and beautiful fishes have
come and gone through our aquariums since, but the affection for
the surviving pair has never waned.
With
its cream-colored body and dark facial markings that give the
fish its common name, the C. brichardi is very attractive
in a non-flashy way. Its other qualities may be even more appealing.
Size.
The modest size (the listed maximum 5.5" would be a giant;
our four-year-old male is less than 4") makes it suitable
for almost any aquarium. It is, however, a slow grower, perhaps
accounting for its hard-to-find status.
Temperament.
Ours, except when defending a spawn, have been remarkably unaggressive
and have never harmed a tankmate. At the same time, they are not
easily bullied by other species.
Hardiness.
Again, give this species an A. Both young and adults have proven
especially hardy in our keeping.
Habits.
In this and other ways, C. brichardi resembles the Julidochromis
genus. Pairs bond very tightly, and the protection given to eggs
and fry is something to behold. The species is a cave spawner
like the Julies, but doesn’t at other times seem as
dependent on structure. It frequently takes to the open water
of the aquarium—moving discus-like slow and stately through
the water, always in color, nearly always with fins displayed.
C.
brichardi is a fish difficult to find fault with. We recommend
it highly.
Back to Armke's Rare Aquarium Fish Title Page