Care
The Transvestite Dwarf Cichlid is known only from Lake Mai-Ndombe in the middle Congo River basin. Lake Mai-Ndombe is a soft and acidic blackwater rainforest lake which covers approximately 890 sq miles (2300 sq km) but is known to double or even triple in size during the rainy season. A pair of these beautiful fish would be suitable for most mature, softwater community aquariums; however, the tank must be 3ft or longer because of this dwarf cichlids"™ territorial nature when spawning. There should be a soft sand substrate (these little cichlids like to dig when searching for food), and an abundance of shady areas should be provided with dense planting, driftwood, and caves. Java moss covered coconut shells or clean new flowerpots are particular favourite hideaways, and a pair is likely to choose such a location as a spawning site. Filtration should be efficient, with good oxygenation and areas of moderate water movement along with quieter resting spots out of the current. Frequent partial water changes should be carried out on a regular basis to keep nitrate at a minimum. Despite their diminutive size, male N. transvestitus can be especially aggressive towards conspecifics (and towards similar looking fish) so it is best to maintain this species as one male-female pair per aquarium. Tankmates should be peaceful and enjoy the same softwater conditions. Good companions could include Corydoras catfish, dwarf gouramis, small Loricariids (suckermouth catfish), rasboras, and tetras. If kept in cramped quarters, breeding pairs will become quite aggressive towards their tankmates, so adequate space must be provided. The specific epithet 'transvestitus' is in reference to the reverse sexual dichromatism seen in this species.
Feeding
Flake, micropellets, frozen foods such as daphnia, bloodworm, white mosquito larvae, vitamin-enriched brineshrimp etc.
Breeding
This bi-parental cave spawner has been bred in the home aquarium, although it is moderately difficult. The temperature should be set to the high end of the preferred range, and, in order for eggs to hatch, the water must be very soft and acidic (pH <5.5, negligible hardness). When ready to spawn, the colours of the fish will intensify. The male will then pursue the female quite aggressively, so it is important to provide plenty of visual barriers within the tank. If receptive, the female will arch her belly towards the male in a quivering motion, and both fish will mouth at each other. The pair will excavate a cave underneath a piece of decor, where the eggs will be deposited/fertilised. It is the female fish that tends to the eggs, whilst the male defends the general perimeter. The eggs (which may number from 30-80) should hatch within 4-5 days, with the young becoming free-swimming a few days later. The fry will be large enough to take baby brineshrimp (Artemia nauplii) and microworm as soon as they are free-swimming. The parent fish will look after the young for around 4 weeks, after which time they may spawn again.
