Danakilia are very strange cichlids that were described scientifically only very recently and were – of course – totally unknown in the hobby, until Anton Lamboj was able to bring some specimens alive back to Austria from Etritrea. He made this expedition together with Giorgio Chiozzi from the Milan Museum. One of the new discovered species could be bred: Danakilia sp. Sukoray, named provisionally after the Wadi where it was collected. For more information of the trip and the biotope, please see the publication „100 Meter unter dem Meeresspiegel: Cichliden aus der Wüste“ by Anton Lamboj, published in Amazonas No 66 (Juli-August 2016).
These fish are the ancestors of the specimens we currently can offer. Our fish are young and young adults, 3-8 cm long.
Keeping Danakilia: it is absolutely necessary to keep them warm. The fish show their temper only at temeratures from 28-30°C. The breeding males become very colourful (black/blue/with a white-yellow hump) – a real eyecatcher! The dominant male will defend a small pit in the bottom; during that period it is always active and displaying. Feeding is absolutely easy, the fish will readily take flakes and frozen food. Best choice is to keep the fish in a group; at least a part of the bottom should be sand to give the males an opportunity to burry the pits. Perfect is a group containing a few males and a greater number of females, the dominant male will become very brillant coloured under these conditions. The tank should be furnished with some roots and stones, but not too much. The swimming behaviour of Danakilia can be best compared with Sarotherodon, eg they are active swimmers and always on move. These fish are female mouthbrooders. The largest fish observed so far are about 12 cm long. If the temperature is too low the fish will look drab. A bright tank with sand, some pebbles and not too small (from 120 cm on) is the perfect home for the active and attractive fish.
For our customers: the fish have code 520211 (3-5 cm) and 520212 (5-8 cm) on our stocklist. Please note that we exclusively supply the wholesale trade.
Text & Photos: Frank Schäfer
