Nanochromis Transvestitus

[RNJ_Punk]

Hello all, I am new here and would like to introduce some of my cichlids. I recently bought a pair of nanochromis transvestitus and they are proving to be some of the most interesting little guys Ive ever kept. I believe they have started making plans for somem kids because for the last 2 days they have been working on a pit very strenuously between a rock and some driftwood. If I do get fry I am not planning on raising any, these guys live in a community tank and I have also read that the fry dont like a pH of over 4.5 or 5. And mine is about 6. Anywho, love is still in the air I presume. Here are som pics:

= the male

= the female

 

[tjudy]

Welcome to the forum!

N. transvestitus are very interesting fish. One of my favorties.

 

[RNJ_Punk]

Yes they are great so far. i have only had them a little over a wekk though. How long do they usually work on nesting sites for?

 

[ste12000]

They are indeed a lovely fish, i looked for them for years, then when i found them i placed a pair in a 3ft tank..In one week the male had murdered the female..The male is booked into a upcoming auction and i will be glad to see the back of him..!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

 

[RNJ_Punk]

Haha thanks for scaring me!

Just kidding, so far my male isnt showing that much aggression at all to my female, they are actually quite sweet towards each other. Anyone had any spawning experience with them? So far mine have just been displaying to each other alot, building little pits in the eco, and the female has been getting fatter. I hope they spawn soon.:wink:

 

[Apistomaster]

Good photos of these pretty fish.
I have always raised SA Dwarf Cichlids but N. transvestitus is at the top of my to do West African list. Westies are fairly rare around my neck of the woods except reg and albino "Kribensis."

 

[mk_ultra]

do you use any type of dithers? My female is harsh to my male and I would like to distract her a bit...

 

[Camandcalsmom]

Hiya,

I have a pair of these in a 10 gallon and they have been great. I do recommend giving them some dither fish and alot of hiding places. I use driftwood, java moss, caves and other plants. My female is also the boss LOL! I use guppies and they do great. Beautiful pics!! These are one of my favorite dwarf cichlids!!

Ang

 

[westafrica]

 

[peterK]

Really nice pics you got there!

 

[westafrica]

Thanks Peter!

Since these first pics, they got more colorful and females have begun to display in front of the males

 

[peterK]

Again, sharp and beautiful pics. I really like these fish, have to try with them again someday

 

[westafrica]

Thanks Peter!

Which westies do you have?

My transvestitus turned to be 2 males and 2 females, I'm lucky

The 2 females are alternatively displaying in front of the dominant male, and this guy is surprisingly quite tolerant towards the weakest male. May it last!

Unfortunately they are not the dominants in the tank, which doesn't really fosters pair formation...

 

[peterK]

I had P. subocellatus, N. transvestitus (no success, kept in community tank), A. thomasi, and, my favourite P. taeniatus "Wouri":


But my top favorites are Nanochromis, Parananochromis, and Benitochromis... I'll try with them for sure, when I have more tanks:wink:

 

[westafrica]

You have good taste Peter! :biggrin: .

A little more recent pics of my transvestitus :

 

[Mud Pie Mama]

Excellent photos of an excellent fish!!! Thanks for posting.

Looking forward to some more great pics when they spawn for you.:biggrin:

 

[westafrica]

Thanks Mud Pie Mamma! Glad you like them! And also looking forward to seeing them spawn! They haven't paired yet, but it shoul happen on of these days!

One more pic of this little zebra :

 

[vulcisfus]

Not a problem mate. Expect an e-mail shortly! I have to say I'm not keeping many types of westies at the moment, got back into keeping a few Tanganyikans again, but I'd love to chat about what's around!

 

[peterK]

Amazing pics again! When I see them I really want to try with this species again... great fish.

 

[westafrica]

Hi!

A duo of trnasvestitus seems to be pairing increasingly strong pair bonds!

@ Mud pie mamma / vulcisfus : your article is really interesting, thanks again! Would you mind if I shared it with the Chromidotilapines fans I know?