The dog fish is an interesting oddball fish gaining popularity in the aquarium trade. Read on to learn about properly caring for these unusual bottom dwellers!
Introducing the Dog Fish
Dog Fish General Information
- Origin: Lake Malawi in Africa
- Size: Up to 5 inches long as adults
- Lifespan: 8-10 years with proper care
- Temperament: Peaceful community fish
- Appearance: Elongated bodies, downward protruding underbite, bright colors
- Popular Varieties: Aurora, mbweca
- Price Range: $8 – $15 per fish
Habitat and Tank Requirements
- Natural Habitat: Rocky lakebed areas in Lake Malawi
- Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallon or larger
- Water Parameters: 74-82°F, pH 7.8-8.6, hard water
- Tank Setup: Rocky decor, fine gravel substrate, moderate lighting and filtration
Dog Fish Diet and Feeding
- Diet: Omnivore; flakes, pellets along with supplemental meaty foods
- Feeding: 2-3 times daily. Offer blanched veggies 1-2 times per week
Foods:
- Sinking cichlid pellets and flakes
- Freeze dried krill or bloodworms
- Blanched zucchini, spinach, peas
- Live or frozen brine shrimp
- Occasional treats like tubifex worms
Breeding and Fry Care
- Maternal mouthbrooder like other Lake Malawi cichlids
- Provide flat rocky surface for spawning. Female incubates eggs in her mouth.
- After 3-4 weeks, fry released. Feed infusoria then crushed flakes.
Common Health Issues
- Generally hardy species if provided with clean water of proper parameters
- Overfeeding can cause bloating – feed 2-3 small meals per day
- Aggression from territorial males during spawning periods
- Use quarantine to prevent introducing diseases. Maintain excellent water quality.
Special Tank Considerations
- Peaceful community species suitable for planted Malawi tanks
- Can be kept with other non-aggressive Mbuna species
- Avoid housing with extremely aggressive cichlids like auratus
- No special legalities or regulations for keeping dog fish
Suitable Tank Mates
- Yellow labs
- Rusty cichlids
- Kenyi cichlids
- Peacock cichlids
- Synodontis catfish
- Clown loaches
- Plecos
Identifying Male vs Female Dog Fish
- Males are more brightly colored with longer, flowing fins
- Females plainer in appearance, smaller size
- Males develop bristles on their heads when mature
Species Count:
At least 5 recognized species
Enhancing Color:
Provide a high quality cichlid diet. Keep water clean.
Maximum Size:
Up to 5 inches in home aquariums.
Growth Rate:
Relatively slow growing, reaching max size after 12-24 months.
Lifespan:
Approximately 8-10 years with excellent care.
Caring for Them:
Cichlid tank, rocks, proper water parameters, variety of foods.
Best Foods:
NorthFin cichlid pellets, freeze dried krill, blanched zucchini.
Good Pets?
Yes, interesting appearance and peaceful for Malawi community tanks.
Preventing Death:
Maintain excellent water quality, stable parameters. Varied diet.
Aggression:
Mostly peaceful though males may spar during breeding periods.
Will They Kill Other Fish?
No, not typically aggressive toward tankmates. Suitable community fish.
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