Steatocranus sp. ultra slender breeding

[fischkopp]

A while ago I picked up two pairs of Steatocranus sp. ultra slender, the smallest known specimen of Buffalohead cichlids. Pretty cool and active fish I must say. I enjoy them a lot. One of the pairs is currently on its second spawn and I managed to capture a few moments of parental care before the little guys leave the cave - which actually happened the day after.

The video is a bit lengthy, just couldn't stop watching. And you probably want to turn off the sound unless you like fishroom noise. Enjoy.

[embed=800,500]<iframe width="800" height="450" src="https://www.youtube.com/embed/JDNLTSeUa14?feature=player_detailpage" frameborder="0" allowfullscreen></iframe></iframe>[/embed]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JDNLTSeUa14&feature=player_detailpage&x-yt-ts=1422579428&x-yt-cl=85114404

[wolfiewill]

That really is cool. Great video.

[mm]

Very nice! Thanks for sharing..

[Al]

R
Great fish and video
Always liked steatocranus, interesting behaviors to say the least.
I kept irvenei at one point, very similar, blue lips were a real set-off.
What's the setup, I didn't watch the entire 24 - are they alone in there?

[daworldisblack]

Wow.. real neat. Thanks for the share!

[exv152]

Really neat video, surprised to see how the parents are able to move so quickly, and both fit inside the cave at the same time, and not hurt the fry.

[fischkopp]

The video doesn't show much of the setup. It's a 30 breeder, filtration via hydro sponge and fluidized sandbed. A maxijet creates the flow. There is another pair of Steatocranus in the same tank, and maybe 5-10 little guys from their first spawn. There are also a few Nanochromis transvestitus in there, but they have to hide most of the time or get beat up. I will have to move the Steatocranus to another tank, maybe one with a bit more flow. Yes, they have a quite unique behavior, quite fun to watch.

[zenins]

Thanks for sharing the video.

I have kept Steatocranus tinanti for many years.
They really appreciate the strong current, and I like the way they "hop" around.
I never got them to spawn.
The last of mine passed away just last week after about 6 or so years.

Maybe I will keep them again in the future

[fischkopp]

Thanks for sharing the video.
They really appreciate the strong current, and I like the way they "hop" around.

You are welcome.

Yes, they do come alive if you increase the current. I have since moved the two adult pairs into my 33L stream tank and they do like it a lot. The youngsters moved into a grow out tank.