General information - Aristochromis christyi is an amazing cichlid

from Lake Malawi, with its beautiful colors and its unique appearance

no wonder that the Christy's Cichlid is very sought after cichlid.

Dominant males exhibit light blue coloration with orange-red anal fins.

Females are less impressive in their coloration and have tan-grey body

color. In the wild this large, impressive cichlid inhabits rocky

environments. It can be found in depth of 2-10 meters.

Common Name - Christy's Cichlid

Scientific Name - Aristochromis christyi

Family - Cichlidae

Origin - Lake Malawi, Africa

Size – Up to 30 cm (12 inches)

First discovered - Trewavas, 1935

 Nutrition - In the wild, Aristochromis christyi feed mainly on fish. In captivity it will accept almost any food

offered. It is recommended to feed it with high quality cichlids pellets and flakes make sure to supplement

its diet with frozen and live foods

Behavior – Aggressive

Maintenance and care - Aristochromis christyi should be kept only in large aquariums with plenty of room

to swim and with other large cichlids from Lake Malawi. Avoid keeping them with small cichlids otherwise

they will think it is food. Use fine gravel as substrate and provide hiding places for this magnificent cichlid.

Water changes of 20% once a week and removing uneaten food will help prevent diseases.

Water Parameters – Temperature: 73F - 78F (22C - 26C), pH: 7.5 - 8.5

Breeding – The Aristochromis christyi is a Mouthbrooder. It prefers to spawn on flat slate or on a flat rock.

The dominant male will color up and dance to attract females. To achieve maximum results it should be

kept in ratio of 1 male to 3 females. The female will take the unfertilized eggs in her mouth; these eggs will

be fertilized after the male releases his milt into her mouth. The process occurs when the female follows

the male very close to his anal fin, christyi males have spots on their fins, these spots known as dummy

eggs. The female believes these are more eggs and goes to catch them this is the right moment for the

male to release his milt and fertilize the eggs. Females hold for 21-28 days and then release free

swimming fry. These fry can be fed with fry food, crushed foods or with brine shrimp.