Description
Jalo Reef Afra Cichlid – Cynotilapia afra “Jalo Reef”
The Jalo Reef Afra Cichlid, also known as Cynotilapia afra “Jalo Reef”, is a beautiful and highly sought-after species from the waters of Lake Malawi. Famous for its vivid coloration and active behavior, the Jalo Reef Afra makes an impressive addition to any African cichlid tank. With its striking blue to yellow hues and relatively manageable temperament, it’s an excellent choice for hobbyists looking to add some color and activity to their tank.
Introduction
- Common Name: Jalo Reef Afra Cichlid
- Scientific Name: Cynotilapia afra “Jalo Reef”
- Size: Males up to 5 inches (12.5 cm), females up to 4 inches (10 cm)
- Lifespan: 5-10 years in a well-maintained aquarium
This cichlid is known for its vibrant coloration, with males displaying bright blue bodies with yellow accents, particularly during breeding. Females are typically less colorful but still exhibit some of the characteristic blue hues. The Jalo Reef Afra is a relatively peaceful cichlid, though it still requires adequate space and hiding spots to avoid territorial conflicts.
1. Natural Habitat and Behavior
- Habitat: Native to Lake Malawi, the Jalo Reef Afra is found in rocky shorelines at depths of 10 to 50 feet (3 to 15 meters), where they live among rocks and crevices. This environment allows them to hide from predators while also providing a source of food such as algae and small invertebrates.
- Behavior: The Jalo Reef Afra is active and can be territorial, especially during breeding. Males will display their brightest colors to attract females and will often chase off other males in the area. However, compared to other species from the Cynotilapia genus, they tend to be more peaceful and adaptable in a community tank, especially if kept in groups or with ample hiding spaces.
2. Aquarium Setup
- Tank Size: A minimum of 55 gallons (200 liters) is recommended, although a larger tank (75 gallons or more) is ideal if keeping multiple males and females to reduce territorial aggression.
- Substrate: A fine to medium gravel substrate works well for this species, as it mimics their natural environment and allows them to graze on algae.
- Decor: Provide plenty of rocks, caves, and crevices where the fish can hide and establish territories. Rocks and rocks structures are crucial for simulating the rocky shorelines of their native habitat.
- Water Conditions:
- Temperature: 76–80°F (24–27°C)
- pH: 7.8–8.6 (alkaline)
- Hardness: 10-15 dGH (moderate to hard)
- Lighting: Moderate to bright lighting is ideal to simulate the sunlight conditions found in Lake Malawi and to support any algae growth, which these fish enjoy.
3. Diet and Feeding
- Diet: The Jalo Reef Afra is primarily herbivorous, feeding on algae in the wild. In the aquarium, provide a diet of high-quality spirulina-based pellets, flakes, and algae wafers. They may also enjoy small amounts of protein, such as brine shrimp or daphnia, which can be fed occasionally to encourage growth and health.
- Feeding Schedule: Feed once or twice daily, offering a varied diet. Ensure that any uneaten food is removed after a few hours to maintain water quality.
4. Compatibility with Other Fish
- Tankmates: The Jalo Reef Afra is a relatively peaceful African cichlid, which makes it a good candidate for a Lake Malawi community tank. Suitable tankmates include:
- Other Cynotilapia species, such as Cynotilapia afra “Cobue” or Cynotilapia sp. “Hara”.
- Other semi-aggressive African cichlids, such as Labidochromis, Aulonocara, and Pseudotropheus species.
- Non-cichlid species, like Synodontis catfish or Plecos.
- Aggression: While generally peaceful, males can become territorial during breeding. It’s advisable to keep one male with multiple females to reduce aggression, or provide plenty of hiding spots and territories to diffuse any territorial conflicts.
5. Common Challenges and Tips
- Territoriality: Males can become territorial, especially during the breeding season. To minimize aggression, maintain a single male with a group of females or house multiple males in a larger tank with plenty of rock structures to divide the tank into territories.
- Water Quality: Regular water changes (20-30% per week) are essential for maintaining water quality. Ensure that the filtration system is powerful enough to keep the water clean and well-oxygenated. Check water parameters regularly to keep them in the ideal ranges.
- Breeding: Like many other African cichlids, the Jalo Reef Afra is a mouthbrooder. The female will carry the fertilized eggs in her mouth until the fry are developed enough to swim on their own. Provide plenty of rockwork for the female to hide and breed. After hatching, the fry will stay close to the mother for protection, but once they are free-swimming, they can be separated if needed.
Conclusion
The Jalo Reef Afra Cichlid (Cynotilapia afra “Jalo Reef”) is a beautiful and relatively peaceful addition to any African cichlid aquarium. Known for its striking blue and yellow coloration, this species is a rewarding fish for hobbyists who can provide them with the proper environment, diet, and tankmates. With a proper setup, a balanced diet, and attention to their territorial nature, the Jalo Reef Afra Cichlid will thrive in the aquarium for years to come.
