The vernacular name ‘lancer’ is derived from the extended dorsal spine possessed by several members of the genus, which currently contains 7 species. Among them B. majusculus is most similar to B. macracanthus and B. vaillantii but can be told apart from both by possession of longer pectoral-fin spines (length 15.8 – 20.7 % SL vs. 11.5 – 16.2 %), from the former by possession of a larger adipose fi…

The vernacular name ‘lancer’ is derived from the extended dorsal spine possessed by several members of the genus, which currently contains 7 species. Among them B. macracanthus is most similar to B. majusculus and B. vaillantii but can be told apart from the former by possession of shorter pectoral spines (13.3 – 16.2% SL vs. 15.8 – 20.7%), shorter adipose fin (46.0 – 58.0% SL vs. 38.8 – 45.8%), less deep caudal peduncle (7.1 – 7.5% SL vs. 5.6-7.0%) and larger adult size. From B. vaillantii it di…

Confirmed localities include the Kabini, Bhadra and Moyar tributary systems where it was last collected in 1998, the 1980s and 1990-92, respectively.

The IUCN currently list it as Critically Endangered (possibly extinct).

This species is relatively common in the aquarium trade but has been widely misidentified as the congener H. nemurus which is native to Java and may never have been exported for ornamental purposes.

Hemibagrus has been divided into a number of putative species groups which may or may not rep…

Like others in the genus, Tropheus brichardi is something of an enigma in the aquarium hobby, and is not a good species for the beginner. There has been much arguement and discussion about how best to maintain it in the aquarium, and some of these debates still rage on. We have provided the generally accepted method of keeping the fish, but in reality what works for one aquarist may not for another. One aspect which is always true is that water quality is of the utmost importance in a Tropheus t…

This is one of two species sold with the common/trade name of "tinfoil barb", the other being the more widely-recognised B. schwanenfeldii. Despite this it appears that B. altus is just as widely available as B. schwanenfeldii and in many cases is seen on sale more regularly. Unfortunately both are usually offered at a small size (usually around 2 – 3"/5 – 7.5cm) with little to no information regarding the eventual size of the fish. Although B. altus is the …

An ideal species for the larger Malawian community but one not often seen for sale. In nature, it is a molluscivore, feeding primarily on snails. It has specially developed pharyngeal teeth, which can crush and grind the shells of these animals with ease. Several other species were originally assigned to the genus but currently, only 3 species of Trematocranus exist, most having been reclassified as Aulonocara or Alticorpus….

Juvenile specimens are sometimes available in the aquarium trade although their purchase is strongly discouraged, and this species probably shouldn’t ‚ be considered a home aquarium‚ subject at all given its eventual size plus the fact it can live for‚ several decades.

H. wyckioides can be told apart from mos…

Sand dwelling Malawian cichlid species such as this can be somewhat delicate in the aquarium. A rigorous tank maintenance schedule is recommended to keep them in top shape; with small, regular partial water changes a necessity. Also take care with feeding as discussed above.

It is likely this species will eventually be assigned to a different genus, as there is some confusion surrounding Tramitichromis and it's scientific validity. The fish included in the genus differ from Lethrinops sp…

Rare in the hobby, this species is unfortunately considered critically endangered in the wild. The lake in which it is found is receiving less groundwater than it once was, due to extraction of water for agriculture. Even if this were not the case, the species is found over such an enclosed range that it would still be at extreme risk. All attempts at captive breeding are therefore to be encouraged, with care being taken to keep the different lines pure.

Interestingly, as there are no natural…