Guinea fowl perch - Altolamprologus calvus BLACK DNZ - single specimen

Altolamprologus calvus, better known as guinea fowl perch, originating from Lake Tanganyika, has enjoyed popularity among perch fans for some time, especially due to its fabulous appearance. In its habitat, the guinea fowl perch mainly inhabits rock structures, as well as their crevices and hiding places. The Pearl Perch Black is the black color form of the otherwise also in gray-brown or white found pretty cichlid.

You will receive our guinea fowl perches in pairs, moreover they are German offspring.

The pretty guinea fowl per ches show a gray-brown basic color, which becomes deep black in the adult age. Over the body and the fins distributed it shows bright speckles, which remind, name-giving, of guinea fowls. The pointed face  features a terminal mouth with distinct lip bulges. With a size of about 15 cm, the male grows slightly larger. A sex differentiation remains however generally rather difficult. Breeding in the aquarium is possible, although rather difficult, as the animals are considered aggressive and territorial among themselves. The females prefer caves, as they can be created with stone structures, but also coconut caves or flower pots. In these she lays up to 250 eggs, which she also guards. The fry can be raised with freshly hatched Artemia nauplii.

Black guinea fowl can be kept well in aquariums from 300 liters. The substrate should consist of fine sand or gravel with a medium grain size, planting plays a rather subordinate role, but can be introduced, since the guinea fowl do not bother them. With stone superstructures, which are secured against falling over, good territorial markings, caves, but also visual contact prevention can be produced, as well as hiding places can be created. Their aquarium water should be well maintained and have a total hardness between 9-12 °dGH and pH values between 7.5-9. The animals feel most comfortable at a temperature of 24 and 26 °C.

Altolamprologus calvus can be socialized in and of itself with other representatives of the Tanganyika Lake. For breeding their aquarium should be particularly large. A socialization with shrimps or crayfish should be rather refrained from, because the one could increase the menu and the other could possibly pinch the fins of the perches.

As carnivores, which feed in their habitat on small crustaceans and worms, but also mollusks, guinea fowl perch can also be well cared for in the aquarium. The perch can be fed several times a day with small amounts without any problems. Preferred are live and frozen foods, such as Gammaruscyclops, Mysis, but also Krill, Daphnia and Artemia. Their diet should be very varied and may also include commercial granulated food or for carnivorous ornamental fish, if they can be accustomed to it.

Our food recommendation: NatureHolic Cichfeed is a great staple food for all carnivorous cichlids in the aquarium, perfectly meeting their dietary requirements. The tasty pearls are also very well eaten by larger cichlids. Thanks to their soft texture, NatureHolic Cichfeed food pearls are gentle on the mouth and can be eaten very well by the fish.

Our plant recommendation: Use for planting NatureHolic InVitros. These are free of snails, planaria and other unwanted co-inhabitants. Also free of algae spores, bacteria and fungi.

Expert Tip: We recommend when keeping fish the NatureHolic 3 Phase Liquid. The care set offers the best all-round protection for your animals. It ensures optimal conditions for successful breeding and keeping.