Emperor cichlid (Aulonocara nyassae)

Scientific name: Aulonocara nyassae Regan, 1922

The Emperor cichlid (Aulonocara nyassae) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows to about 8 cm (3.1 in). It is easy to keep and peaceful and needs a tank of at least 75 L (20 US gal), water at 25–26°C (77–79°F) and a pH of 7.8–8.5. Native range: Africa, rocky areas of Lake Malawi.

Emperor cichlid care at a glance

Care level
Easy
Temperament
Peaceful
Adult size
8 cm (3.1 in)
Minimum tank
75 L (20 US gal)
Temperature
25–26°C (77–79°F)
pH
7.8–8.5
Hardness
10–25 dGH (178–446 ppm)
Diet
Omnivore. Accepts flakes, frozen foods and live foods.

Biology

Observed over sand in the vicinity of rocks, possibly for breeding purposes only. Feeds on sand-dwelling invertebrates.

Source: FishBase, licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

Species facts

Scientific name
Aulonocara nyassae
Family
Cichlidae (Cichlids)
Order
Perciformes (Perch-like fish)
Class
Actinopterygii (Ray-finned fishes)
Maximum length
8.0
Depth range
15 m (49 ft)
Environment
Freshwater; benthopelagic; depth range 15 - ? m
Climate
Tropical
Distribution
Africa: Endemic to Lake Malawi. Aulonocara nyassae is only known by the holotype and never recorded since it was described.
Conservation status (IUCN)
Vulnerable (VU) (D2)
Threat to humans
Harmless
Uses
Fisheries: of no interest; aquarium: commercial
Resilience
Medium, minimum population doubling time 1.4 - 4.4 years (Assuming Fec

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Sources

Taxonomy, distribution and biology data: FishBase (Froese, R. and D. Pauly, eds.), licensed CC BY-NC 4.0. Aquarium care parameters compiled, checked and converted to metric and imperial units by Guppies.za.net.

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