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The cichlids of Lake Victoria, East Africa, are severely endangered. During the 1970's a predatory fish called the Nile Perch (Lates niloticus) was stocked into the lake to improve the fishery. Unfortunately, it underwent a population explosion and has caused the extinction of more than 300 species of cichlids. The deeper water species have been known to science for many years, but the rock-dwelling cichlids, called Mbipi ('Ma-Bippy') are a fairly recent discovery, having been found during the 1980's. 

 
Whilst rare in captivity, a few Lake Victoria Cichlids are available to fishkeepers as specimens released by captive breeding programmes. Many of these species are thought to be extinct in nature, and exist only due to the work of specialist cichlid keepers. They are amongst the most brightly coloured and strikingly patterned of all cichlids, and are relatively straightforward to keep and breed. 
 
Look out in our tanks for Astatotilapia obliquidens, Astatotilapia latifasciata (Lake Kioga), Astatotilapia sp. 'Ruby Green', Astatotilapia sp. 'Kenya Gold', Astatotilapia nubila, Astatotilapia brownae and Astatotilapia sp. 'CH44'. 
 
What conditions do Lake Victoria Cichlids required? 
These aggressive fish are often kept alongside Malawian Mbuna, but fare better when kept in tanks on their own. Whilst they are generally kept in hard, alkaline water, they also fare well (and produce larger broods) when kept in neutral conditions. They should not be kept with community fish, but the smaller insectivorous species, can often be combined with shoals of smaller 'dither' fish, such as Danios. The tank should measure at least 90cmx30cmx36cm (36"x12"x15"), and be furnished with copious amounts of rocks and bogwood, and very well filtered. Most species leave plants alone, and some shelter amongst Vallisneria. 
 
Do Lake Victoria Cichlids need to be over-crowded? 
If Lake Victoria Cichlids are kept in a community with other fish from the same lake, they will need to be over-crowded, otherwise males will become hyperdominant and may kill other fish in the tank. A 90cmx30cmx36cm (36"x12"x15") should house around 20 fish, as these are generally smaller and more aggressive than Mbuna. For breeding purposes however, only one species should be kept per tank. Lake Victoria Cichlids often hybridise in captivity, and it is important to keep the existing species pure. Like Malawian cichlids, Victorians do not form true pairs - they are polygamous. A single male will often mate with several females during a single day. To breed these fish successfully keep at least 3 females to each male. A large colony of a single species not only looks stunning, but is also more likely to breed successfully.