{"product_id":"stigmatochromis-melanchros-cichlid-locally-bred","title":"Stigmatochromis melanchros Cichlid – Locally Bred","description":"\u003ch1 data-end=\"341\" data-start=\"87\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"143\" data-start=\"87\"\u003eLocally Bred in Indiana\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h1\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"341\" data-start=\"87\"\u003e\u003cbr data-end=\"146\" data-start=\"143\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"color: rgb(255, 42, 0);\"\u003e\u003cem data-end=\"341\" data-start=\"146\"\u003eFor the safety of our animals, we now ship live fish exclusively via UPS Next Day Air. If your order contains this item, you will only see UPS Next Day Air as a shipping option during checkout.\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"621\" data-start=\"343\"\u003e\u003cem data-end=\"371\" data-start=\"343\"\u003eStigmatochromis melanchros\u003c\/em\u003e is one of the rarest and most visually striking predator haps from Lake Malawi. These juveniles were bred locally in Indiana by an expert cichlid breeder, and we’re proud to offer this exceptionally uncommon species exclusively through Aquatic Arts.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"992\" data-start=\"623\"\u003eAdult males develop an intense dark coloration with subtle iridescence and electric blue accents in the fins—an appearance that gives this fish its “melanchros” (meaning \"black-colored\") name. Photos of the breeding adults are included in this listing to show what these juveniles will grow into with proper care. Currently available fish are still young and uncolored.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u0026lt; data-end=\"997\" data-start=\"994\"\u0026gt;\n\u003ch3 data-end=\"1038\" data-start=\"999\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"1036\" data-start=\"1003\"\u003eWhat We Love About This Fish:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1293\" data-start=\"1039\"\u003e• One of the rarest \u003cem data-end=\"1076\" data-start=\"1059\"\u003eStigmatochromis\u003c\/em\u003e species in the hobby\u003cbr data-end=\"1100\" data-start=\"1097\"\u003e• Striking adult coloration: jet black body with glowing blue highlights\u003cbr data-end=\"1175\" data-start=\"1172\"\u003e• Powerful, torpedo-shaped build perfect for open swimming\u003cbr data-end=\"1236\" data-start=\"1233\"\u003e• Locally bred in Indiana from a stunning breeding pair\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u0026lt; data-end=\"1298\" data-start=\"1295\"\u0026gt;\n\u003ch3 data-end=\"1326\" data-start=\"1300\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"1324\" data-start=\"1304\"\u003eNatural Habitat:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1584\" data-start=\"1327\"\u003eNative to the deep rocky zones of Lake Malawi, \u003cem data-end=\"1402\" data-start=\"1374\"\u003eStigmatochromis melanchros\u003c\/em\u003e is a piscivorous predator that cruises through open waters near boulder piles, hunting smaller fish. Its natural environment features clean, mineral-rich water and high oxygenation.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u0026lt; data-end=\"1589\" data-start=\"1586\"\u0026gt;\n\u003ch3 data-end=\"1613\" data-start=\"1591\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"1611\" data-start=\"1595\"\u003eAquascaping:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"1885\" data-start=\"1614\"\u003e• \u003cstrong data-end=\"1627\" data-start=\"1616\"\u003ePlants:\u003c\/strong\u003e Not recommended—these large cichlids may ignore or disturb them\u003cbr data-end=\"1694\" data-start=\"1691\"\u003e• \u003cstrong data-end=\"1710\" data-start=\"1696\"\u003eHardscape:\u003c\/strong\u003e Create a layout with large rocks, caves, and long open swimming lanes\u003cbr data-end=\"1783\" data-start=\"1780\"\u003e• \u003cstrong data-end=\"1800\" data-start=\"1785\"\u003eBotanicals:\u003c\/strong\u003e Not necessary but can be used sparingly for natural aesthetics without altering pH\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u0026lt; data-end=\"1890\" data-start=\"1887\"\u0026gt;\n\u003ch3 data-end=\"1919\" data-start=\"1892\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"1917\" data-start=\"1896\"\u003eDiet and Feeding:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"2275\" data-start=\"1920\"\u003eThis species is a carnivore that thrives on a diet of protein-rich foods. Feed frozen or live foods like krill, mysis shrimp, and chopped fish, along with high-quality carnivore pellets. For a daily staple, we recommend \u003cstrong data-end=\"2201\" data-start=\"2140\"\u003eUltra Fresh Royal Cichlid Premium Pellet – Shrimp Delight\u003c\/strong\u003e, which promotes vibrant coloration and supports growth and immune health.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u0026lt; data-end=\"2280\" data-start=\"2277\"\u0026gt;\n\u003ch3 data-end=\"2321\" data-start=\"2282\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"2319\" data-start=\"2286\"\u003eTank Mates and Compatibility:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"2568\" data-start=\"2322\"\u003eSuitable tank mates include other large, semi-aggressive haps or peacocks. Avoid overly aggressive species and small, delicate fish. Provide plenty of space and hiding spots to diffuse territorial behavior, especially when housing multiple males.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u0026lt; data-end=\"2573\" data-start=\"2570\"\u0026gt;\n\u003ch3 data-end=\"2597\" data-start=\"2575\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"2595\" data-start=\"2579\"\u003eShrimp Safe:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"2676\" data-start=\"2598\"\u003e❌ No – This species is a predatory hunter and will eat shrimp or smaller fish.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u0026lt; data-end=\"2681\" data-start=\"2678\"\u0026gt;\n\u003ch3 data-end=\"2702\" data-start=\"2683\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"2700\" data-start=\"2687\"\u003eBreeding:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"2960\" data-start=\"2703\"\u003eA maternal mouthbrooder. Males become territorial and display to females during courtship, clearing out a spawning site. Females incubate the eggs in their mouths for several weeks. The juveniles offered here are offspring from a stunning locally bred pair.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u0026lt; data-end=\"2965\" data-start=\"2962\"\u0026gt;\n\u003ch3 data-end=\"3005\" data-start=\"2967\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"3003\" data-start=\"2971\"\u003eRecommended Tank Parameters:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"3135\" data-start=\"3006\"\u003e• \u003cstrong data-end=\"3024\" data-start=\"3008\"\u003eTemperature:\u003c\/strong\u003e 76° - 82° F (24° - 28° C)\u003cbr data-end=\"3053\" data-start=\"3050\"\u003e• \u003cstrong data-end=\"3062\" data-start=\"3055\"\u003epH:\u003c\/strong\u003e 7.8 – 8.6\u003cbr data-end=\"3075\" data-start=\"3072\"\u003e• \u003cstrong data-end=\"3084\" data-start=\"3077\"\u003eKH:\u003c\/strong\u003e 8 – 14 dKH\u003cbr data-end=\"3098\" data-start=\"3095\"\u003e• \u003cstrong data-end=\"3122\" data-start=\"3100\"\u003eMinimum Tank Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e 90 gallons\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u0026lt; data-end=\"3140\" data-start=\"3137\"\u0026gt;\n\u003ch3 data-end=\"3168\" data-start=\"3142\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"3166\" data-start=\"3146\"\u003eCare Guidelines:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp data-end=\"3515\" data-start=\"3169\"\u003e• \u003cstrong data-end=\"3180\" data-start=\"3171\"\u003eDiet:\u003c\/strong\u003e Carnivorous – thrives on high-protein frozen and pellet foods\u003cbr data-end=\"3245\" data-start=\"3242\"\u003e• \u003cstrong data-end=\"3267\" data-start=\"3247\"\u003eSocial Behavior:\u003c\/strong\u003e Semi-aggressive; males will defend territory during breeding\u003cbr data-end=\"3331\" data-start=\"3328\"\u003e• \u003cstrong data-end=\"3344\" data-start=\"3333\"\u003eOrigin:\u003c\/strong\u003e Locally bred in Indiana\u003cbr data-end=\"3371\" data-start=\"3368\"\u003e• \u003cstrong data-end=\"3396\" data-start=\"3373\"\u003eAverage Adult Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e 10 – 12 inches (25 – 30 cm)\u003cbr data-end=\"3427\" data-start=\"3424\"\u003e• \u003cstrong data-end=\"3455\" data-start=\"3429\"\u003eAverage Purchase Size:\u003c\/strong\u003e 2 – 3 inches (juveniles not yet showing adult coloration)\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u0026lt; data-end=\"3520\" data-start=\"3517\"\u0026gt;\n\u003cp data-end=\"3876\" data-start=\"3522\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"3587\" data-start=\"3522\"\u003eAdd One of Lake Malawi’s Rarest Predators to Your Collection:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003cbr data-end=\"3590\" data-start=\"3587\"\u003e\u003cem data-end=\"3618\" data-start=\"3590\"\u003eStigmatochromis melanchros\u003c\/em\u003e is a hidden gem in the cichlid world. With jet-black coloration and an elegant, torpedo-shaped body, this locally bred predator is a powerful and captivating choice for experienced aquarists looking to grow out a showstopper—available now from Aquatic Arts.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u0026lt; data-end=\"3881\" data-start=\"3878\"\u0026gt;\n\u003cp data-end=\"4006\" data-start=\"3883\" style=\"text-align: center;\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003e\u003cstrong data-end=\"3910\" data-start=\"3883\"\u003eLive Arrival Guarantee:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cbr data-end=\"3913\" data-start=\"3910\"\u003e\u003cspan style=\"text-decoration: underline;\"\u003eAll Aquatic Arts brand fish come with a 100% live arrival guarantee, plus free email support.\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Aquatic Arts","offers":[{"title":"1 Unsexed Juv.","offer_id":48944629907544,"sku":"hgr1790047849037","price":6.69,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"2 unsexed Juv.","offer_id":48944629940312,"sku":"ppu1790047849038","price":11.51,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true},{"title":"3 unsexed Juv.","offer_id":48944629973080,"sku":"sww1790047849039","price":16.93,"currency_code":"USD","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0727\/2359\/5352\/files\/stigmatochromis-melanchros-cichlid-locally-bred_1.jpg?v=1790047852","url":"https:\/\/printercopyclad.shop\/products\/stigmatochromis-melanchros-cichlid-locally-bred","provider":"My Store","version":"1.0","type":"link"}