Cyprichromis leptosoma Mpimbwe "Black Bee"

Origin and locale/variety: Cape Mpimbwe--Tanzania, Lake Tanganyika, East Africa

Size: Adults are usually 3.5 to 4.5 inches in aquarium environment.

Sex differences: Males are somewhat variable in coloration. They sport dark (dark purple to black) dorsal and anal fins which are trimmed in white and a caudal fin which is many times totally yellow. Body coloration--from back to front--often blends from hues of dark violet to a rather bright yellow which can cover the full anterior portion of the fish. The yellow is more intense during courtship, and is not always present in all males. Females are plainly colored, but often have a yellow tint in the caudal fin.

Aquarium behavior: All Cyprichromis are best kept in colonies which include numbers of both sexes. This genus is ideal for Tanganyikan community set-ups. They tend to school in the upper half of the aquarium. Despite their delicate looks, Cyprichromis are extremely hardy and can thrive in a number of environments. As long as they are not kept with very large frontosa or predacious Malawi Cichlids, they will be the highlight of any aquarium. Minimum aquarium sizes for adults is about thirty gallons, but at least fifty-five gallons is recommended.

Aquarium diet: Cyprichromis readily accept most foods: flakes, frozen, and live. A combination of flakes, frozen, and live is recommended. Most of the time, they are first to the food.

You Need to Know: There are two important factors to consider when keeping Cyprichromis in an aquarium environment. 1) They are best kept in schools of at least six specimens. 2) They need and enjoy plenty of swimming room. We consider a 48" long tank to be the minimum size in which to keep adult specimens, even though we have personally kept and bred Cyprichromis in smaller aquaria. A third fact to consider is that Cyprichromis do not like to travel. Armke's gurantees live arrival with them and we experience great success shipping them. However, one must know that they need to be treated gingerly upon arrival. They appreciate some micro-size foods within the first hour of arrival in their new homes.

Compatability: Cyprichromis can be kept with almost any fish or fishes that cannot eat them. Once they reach about 2" in length (MS size), they go well with almost any of the Tanganyikan, Malawian, or Victorian species we stock. Their feeding requirements are adaptable and they normally can hold their own with most fish. However, one must consider that when purchasing small (S) size specimens that they may or may not need special care upon arrival depending upon the tank mates one intends to introduce them to.

Observed spawning habits: Although we have observed Cyprichromis breeding as a pair, the fish is typically bred in colonies. They breed in the open water column (in the center of the aquarium). Males in the aquarium will constantly display to vie for the females' attention. Females will mouth-brood the young for up to a month. A normal breeding colony consists of at least six individuals.

Other information: The "Black Bee" is a spectacular fish, even for a Cyprichromis. Some aquarists will find it interesting that our breeding group of this fish as this was written consisted of eight males cooexisting rather harmoniously with the group of females in a 200-gallon-plus tank.

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