 |
|
|
| In every issue, we try to give you, the reader, a sampling of the diversity
of cichlids, and this issue is no exception. This diversity is even more
remarkable when we see convergence of forms in habitats widely separated
by distance. For example, in this issue Uwe Werner describes Steatocranus
irvinei from West Africa and Juan Miguel Artigas introduces us to Paraneetroplus
bulleri from southern Mexico. Both are masters of fast water. While
I have not (yet!) had the pleasure of seeing these species in the wild,
I have spent a lot of time watching similar cichlids dart seemingly effortlessly
through water that challenges me not to get swept away by the current.
In these habitats, I wear a full wetsuit, partly because fast moving water
is cold but equally because the rubber protects my knees and elbows from
banging on the rocks and twigs. It is a reminder that we are clumsy visitors
to this world that these fishes are so well adapted. This in turn is a
reminder that the requirements of these species are likely different than
those found in static water. We must pay attention to the fish we are trying
to keep.
Careful observation of their fish is one of the hallmarks of those who are truly successful at keeping and breeding cichlids. You might get lucky once or twice by accident, but if you want repeated success, you need to watch your fish and learn what they are telling you. Patrick Tawil clearly illustrates this with his article on the cave dwelling Aulonocara. Certainly they are beautiful, as are most Aulonocara, but they reveal so much more if you give them the appropriate place to perform. Thomas Andersen discovers that Xenotilapia longispinis is not like its close cousins when it comes to reproduction, and finally, first time contributor Tony Sunderland describes his experiences breeding Lepidiolamprologus lemairii. His article illustrates one of the mottos that I try to teach my research students: when you see a fish do something unusual once, make a mental note of it; when you see the fish do the same thing again, find out why, because there almost certainly is an interesting reason for the behavior. Be sure to take time to really watch your fish; they have so many stories to tell! |
Ron Coleman, Editor
 |
