CICHLID – LAB PERLMUTT
Labidochromis sp. “perlmutt”
$16.99
The Lab Perlmutt Cichlid is endemic to deep water rocky zones of up to 90 feet in Lake Malawai around Higga Reef and Mbamba Bay. This fish lacks a proper scientific name because since its initial discovery in 1995, it has not been further described. Its identifer ‘Perlmutt’, meaning “Mother of Pearl” in German, was selected because of the pearly coloration of adults. From what we do know about the Lab perlmutt, it is relatively peaceful as far as African cichlids are concerned and are one of the few that can also be maintained in groups successfully. Keeping them in an overcrowded tank is suggested nevertheless to spread out or reduce aggression, particularly when spawning occurs. An adult Lab perlmutt can reach a size of approximately 3-1/2″.
Care Level: Moderate
Temperament: Semi-Aggressive
Live Plant Safe: With Caution
General Description: The Lab Perlmutt Cichlid is endemic to deep water rocky zones of up to 90 feet in Lake Malawi around Higga Reef and Mbamba Bay. This fish lacks a proper scientific name because since its initial discovery in 1995, it has not been further described. Its identifer ‘Perlmutt’, meaning “Mother of Pearl” in German, was selected because of the pearly coloration of adults. From what we do know about the Lab perlmutt, it is relatively peaceful as far as African cichlids are concerned and are one of the few that can also be maintained in groups successfully. Keeping them in an overcrowded tank is suggested nevertheless to spread out or reduce aggression, particularly when spawning occurs. An adult Lab perlmutt can reach a size of approximately 3-1/2″.
Diet Requirements: Lab perlmutt, unlike most other Mbunas, can tolerate a high diet protein because the depths at which they live do not allow for much algal growth. Various high quality protein based flake foods and sinking pellet foods are acceptable but should not make up a large portion of its diet. Frozen foods such as brine shrimp, spirulina brine shrimp, bloodworms, daphnia and other mixed freshwater prepartions are ideal. Variety is the spice of life in order to maintain color, immune function and longevity of your fish.
Care Requirements: An established minimum 55 gallon aquarium is ideal for Lab perlmutt. Biweekly water changes are encouraged to keep water parameters pristine (Nitrates < 15 ppm), as this species is more sensitive to high nitrates. The aquarium should be aquascaped generously with stacked rocks to create many hiding spaces and caves, but some unobstructed and open swimming space should also be provided. A sandy or fine substrate is preferred and the aquarium needs to be well oxygenated. African cichlid specific substrates, or even marine Aragonite substrate, are great choices because they will buffer the pH and alkalinity to levels characteristic of Lake Malawi. Lab perlmutt will do well with other Malawian cichlids that are not overly pugnacious. Recommended water conditions, 74-80° F, KH 10-25, pH 7.5-8.5.
Purchase Size: Medium: 1-1/2” to 2”
Note: Your item may not look identical to the image provided due to variation within species. Purchase sizes are approximate.
Dry goods orders are shipped via US Postal Service or UPS to the address provided at checkout based on the selection made in your website shopping cart. Product is carefully packed to help prevent any damage during shipping. Once processed you will receive a shipment notification via email with tracking number, and delivery notification. Please allow 48 hours for processing after your order is placed.
Perishable items (i.e. live plants, refrigerated/frozen foods) are shipped via US Postal Service 2-3 day to the address provided at checkout for a $25.00 flat rate charge. Items are packed with secure packing material and heat, cold, or Cryo packs as needed to maintain safe temperatures during transit. If one or more perishable items are in the shopping cart at checkout the $25.00 perishable shipping charge will automatically appear and need to be selected. Once processed you will receive a shipment notification via email with tracking number. Please allow 48 hours for processing after your order is placed.
Livestock (i.e. fish, invertebrates, coral) are shipped via UPS Overnight to the address provided at checkout for a $55.00 flat rate charge. Livestock is packed in insulated styrofoam boxes with secure packing material and heat, cold, or Cryo packs as needed to maintain safe temperatures during transit. If one or more livestock items are in the shopping cart at checkout the $55.00 livestock shipping charge will automatically appear and need to be selected. Livestock is shipped Monday through Wednesday ONLY (no weekend delivery is available) weather permitting, and we reserve the right to delay shipping until conditions are appropriate for safe arrival. Once your order is placed we will contact you to arrange the best shipping date based on these criteria. Someone must be available to receive the livestock order on the first delivery attempt. Once processed you will receive a shipment notification via email with tracking number. Please allow 48 hours for processing after your order is placed.
For mixed dry goods/perishable & livestock orders items will be shipped via their corresponding shipping methods outlined above. Dry goods will be shipped via US Postal Service or UPS based on your selection and checkout, while livestock will ship via UPS Overnight for a $55.00 flat rate charge. You will receive separate notifications and tracking numbers for the dry goods and livestock. Please note due to different carriers and shipping methods dry goods and livestock may arrive on different days.
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