Taeniochromis Holotaenia Eccles Reef
Taeniochromis holotaenia
Taeniochromis Holotaenia Eccles Reef is a very rare large Lake Malawi predator hap with an active swimming style and impressive adult size. It needs a spacious aquarium, strong filtration, and tank mates large enough not to be viewed as prey.
Physical Characteristics
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Size: 10-15 inches.
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Coloration: Mature males develop the strongest display color; females and juveniles are more subdued.
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Body Shape: Large, elongated predator-hap body built for open swimming.
Origin and Habitat
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Native Region: Chimwalani Reef (Eccles Reef) (mapped as Chimwalani Reef) is in southern Lake Malawi on the Malawi-side southern or southeastern shore.
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Natural Habitat: This Lake Malawi reef or plateau points to a habitat shaped by rock structure, sand-rock edges, and nearby open water.
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Same-Locality Cichlids: Other cichlids recorded from Chimwalani Reef include Aulonocara maylandi 'Chimwalani (Eccles) Reef', Aulonocara rostratum 'Chimwalani Reef', Aulonocara stuartgranti 'Chimwalani (Eccles) Reef' Aulonocara hansbaenschi 'Chimwalani (Eccles) Reef', and Chindongo sp. 'elongatus brown' Chimwalani Reef.
Behavior and Temperament
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Temperament: Mildly aggressive, with predatory instincts toward smaller fish.
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Social Behavior: Best kept with large Lake Malawi haps and predator haps in a spacious aquarium.
Aquarium Care
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Tank Size: A 180 gallon aquarium or larger is recommended for adults.
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Water Parameters: 78-82°F, pH 7.4-8.4, hard water.
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Tank Setup: Provide a long aquarium with open swimming room, sand, sturdy structure for sight breaks, and strong filtration.
Diet and Feeding
Breeding
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Breeding Type: Maternal mouthbrooder.
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Breeding Notes: Males display to females and may hold territories. Females hold eggs and fry in the mouth, and released fry should be protected.
Tank Mates
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Compatible With: Large Lake Malawi haps and predator haps with similar size and temperament.
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Avoid: Small fish, delicate peacocks, and cramped aquariums.
