We obtained beautiful bred specimens of this charming dwarf cichlids. Males of the species becomes around 6 cm long, females stay smaller. This makes Nanochromis transvestitus one of the smallest cichlid species at all. The species originates from the Lac Mai Ndombe region in the D.R. Congo. In contrast to most other congolese fishes, N. transvestitus is adapted to very soft and acidic water (pH 4.5).

 

However, aquarium strains are less sensitive to other conditions than wild collected specimens, but nevertheless the species is much less susceptible to various diseases when kept in acidic water. Otherwise keeping the fish is problem free and the species is very attractive. Like all species of Nanochromis it is a cave brooder. Females care for eggs and brood, males defend the territory.

 

 

Males and females can be easily told apart by the pattern of the fins. The courtship behavior is spectacular. Both sexes display with mouths wide open and maximum spread fins. Females additionally display a very strange looking S-shaped body.

 

For our customers: the fish have code 555002 on our stock list. Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale trade.

 

Lexicon: Nanochromis: means "small Chromis"; Chromis is another genus of fish. transvestitus: means "transvestite"; this name refers to the fact that the males are much less colorful than the females; usually in the animal kingdom this is the other way round.

 

Suggestion of a common name: Congolese zebra dwarf cichlid

 

Text & photos: Frank Schäfer

 

 

 

Experiences with Nanochromis transvestitus