| Summer’s here and it looks to be a hot one. How to beat the heat? One
way is to stay inside and watch your cichlids! Many of this issue’s contributions
come from just such activities. For example, Alan De Angelo reports on
a problematic condition that he calls “gas bladder distension” in Cyphotilapia
frontosa. These deepwater beauties from Lake Tanganyika seem to experience
problems adjusting to life in confined quarters; given their popularity
(and value!), any proposals that further your frontosa’s health and productivity
are worthy of discussion. So give some thought to what Alan has to say;
he’s interested in your feedback. In the area of general husbandry, we
have several other offerings. Dan Woodland discusses his experiences with
Placidochromis
phenochilus, one of the hottest new species from Lake Malawi. Also,
Myles Neiman offers tips on breeding species of the
Altolamprologus
calvus-compressiceps complex from Lake Tanganyika. And Mary Bailey
shares her extensive findings with Teleogramma brichardi from the
Congo River basin; while well-known in the hobby, this rapids-dwelling
cichlid can be tricky to keep, which just makes it more rewarding in the
long run.
OK, so you can’t stay inside for the whole summer. So, let’s accompany
Ad Konings to Lake Malawi (we wish) for an examination of what’s left in
the genus Pseudotropheus, given recent nomenclatural activities
(especially the recognition of the genus Metriaclima). You say you
can’t afford a trip to Malawi just now? Well, how about Florida’s Rift
Valley? Take a look at the “he said, she said” report from first-timers
Nikki Mizwinski and John Sitts on their visit to the “wilds” of Busch Gardens
in Tampa. Turns out we have our very own Malawian and Victorian microcosms
— with a few hippos and crocs mixed in — right in our own back yard. So
come on down.
Finally, to clear up my muff of the Mystery Fish from last issue. It
turns out the name — Etia nguti — was actually available, as the
species’ formal description appeared in March of this year. The good thing
that has come out of my blunder is that someone has stepped forward and
offered to tell us all about this newcomer in our next issue. So watch
for it. And enjoy your summer in the meantime.
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