Scientific name: Aulonocara Mamelela

Common name:  Lemon Jake

Family: Cichlidae

Usual size in fish tanks: 7 - 8 cm (2.76 - 3.15 inch)

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Recommended pH range for the species: 7 - 8.3

Recommended water hardness (dGH): 14 - 28°N (250 - 500ppm)

0°C 32°F30°C 86°F

Recommended temperature: 23 - 25 °C (73.4 - 77°F)

The way how these fish reproduce: Spawning

Where the species comes from: Africa

Temperament to its own species: peaceful

Temperament toward other fish species: peaceful

Usual place in the tank: Middle levels

Food and feeding

Lemon Jake aulonocara’s will enjoy meaty treats of mysis, blood worms, krill and brine shrimp. It should also be given some spirulina based flake or granules to complete the diet.

Origin

Africa; Lemon Jake aulonocara is endemic to Lake Malawi.

Sexing

Males tend to be more colourful than the females. The females will often appear to be drab.

Breeding

Aulonocara Lemon Jake are mouth brooders. Once the eggs have been laid and fertilised, the female will collect them into her mouth and incubate them. During this time she may hide away and not eat. The fry should be released after 3 weeks and they can then be fed on newly hatched brine shrimp.

Lifespan

The expected life span for  aulonocara is 10 years.

Short description

Plenty of rockwork should be added to the tank to provide hiding places, especially for the females. Always leave open swimming spaces at the front. It is best to keep one male to three females to reduce aggression towards one fish.