African Cichlid Fry, No Common Species (Pics)

[Scott MacAdam]

Hey everyone, long time since I've posted but here we go.

I also posted this over in the hybrid forum but after some thought I'm not sure it belongs there.

I set up a African cichlid tank about 10 months ago and had the same stock since. Just recently my girlfriend noticed a little fish (1cm and under) darting around and upon closer inspection we have 3 (or more) lightly colored yellow/orange with dark vertical stripes.

Over the last few days I've noticed 2 of my fish digging under the rocks together and fighting off other fish so I'm guessing they've paired off but here's the thing... the 2 fish are Melanochromis interruptus and Metriaclima estherae. Is this at all possible?

On a side note, it seems like my Iodotropheus sprengerae may be holding....

What is going on here? lol

Any help or input would be GREATLY appreciated.

Pics to Follow


Thanks so much,

Scott


The little ones

Seemingly paired Melanochromis interruptus and Metriaclima estherae

Hole they are digging together

And the suspected holding rusty (Iodotropheus sprengerae)

And the tank itself for reference, notice the hole dug down on the right hand side under the rocks...

 

[markandhisfish]

sorry cant help with the fry id , but i agree the female in the pic does appear to be holding

 

[Scott MacAdam]

In my research I've been finding that this isn't all that uncommon to have inter-species hybrids of african cichlids. I thought I was on to something special. lol

If it was the rusty the first time around as well they will likely be brown with black vertical stripes as it seems they are that way now anyway.

anyone have any experience with hybrid african cichlids?

 

[rifty]

you are right malawis will breed with most other malawis one of the major problems with uk malawis is the ammount of hybred fish available
2 options keep em dont sell or give them away tho or get a bigger malawi who eats fry