Xystichromis (Haplochromis) phytophagus: The Christmas Fulu
by Chris Guarino

Of the many varieties of Victorian cichlids, the Christmas Fulu is probably one of the most appealing. Their relatively small size and colorful breeding displays make them an interesting addition to almost any tank.
Xystichromis phytophagus is a "Victorian" cichlid that is thought to have been eradicated from Lake Victoria by the recent introduction of the Nile Perch. It can still, however, be found in the nearby Yala Swamp, where most if not all collected specimens come from. In the wild, these fish eat dead and decaying plant material, which passes through their system undigested, causing scientists to believe that they get their nutrition from the macrophytes that eat the dead vegetation. In the tank, however, they will eat almost anything from flakes to pellets to bloodworms and brine shrimp.

The male Christmas Fulu is a predominately red fish, with bold black markings. They have several bold black stripes that cross the face, once short stripe that goes from the eye to the ventral fin, and two long stripes that go the length of the body. The highest stripe is just under the dorsal fin, and the lower of the two starts at the eye and follows the body laterally. Males in breeding coloration will also seem to have an orange tint to their bodies, and will display their solid black ventral fins and white anal fin along with their iridescent, sky blue dorsal fin. The females are significantly less colorful, having no red orange, white, or bluish makings, but rather a drab dark gray over the entire body. They do, however possess the same black markings on the face and sides as the male. Both sexes have between one and four white egg spots rimmed in black on the anal fin.

They reach a size of up to 5 inches in a large aquarium, but if kept in a smaller one (let's say 20 gallons) they will most likely not exceed a length of 4 inches. They are moderately aggressive, and only with fish that would be small enough to make a meal (guppies or small tetras), and with rival males. One should take care not to place too many males in the same tank, because this will result in the weakest males being badgered to death. A limit of two males for tanks under 60 gallons would probably be the best rule, and only one male should be kept in tanks under 30 gallons. They are also very hardy fish, taking a rather wide range of temperature and ph, but a standard temperature for the Christmas Fulu would be from 70-80 with a ph of 6.5- 7.5.

The courtship display of the Christmas Fulu is a very interesting fluttering behavior in which the male turns his side to the female with his colors at their boldest. Xystichromis phytophagus is a maternal mouth breeder, with the dominant male breeding with multiple females. After courtship, the male and female will spawn in a pit excavated by the male. If a cave is available, they may spawn there also. Once the eggs are laid, the female will take them into her mouth and carry them until the fry outgrow her mouth. The eggs usually hatch within 6-10 days depending on temperature, and the mother continues to care for them as long as she can. The best way to breed these fish, however, is to allow the female to hatch the eggs, and then "strip" her of the fry. This involves netting the fish, holding it head first over the tank that will hold the fry, and dipping only her head into the water slowly. The fry may be spit out once the mother is netted if she is inexperienced, but if not, she will spit them out after she has been dipped several times, and can then be returned to the original tank if there is enough shelter provided. If not, another tank may be necessary until she regains her strength from her long fast. If fed plenty of meaty foods, mature females can breed about once a month.

Christmas Fulu fry hatch into helpless balls of yolk with tails and eyes. The fry tank should be filtered well, but strong currents should be avoided, as they tend to swirl the fry around, which is by no means good for them. The fry should not be fed before all of their yolk sack has disappeared, which usually takes about 3-6 days, depending on temperature. After they have consumed their yolk sacks, the fry will become free swimming and should no be fed powdered flake food, newly hatched artemia, or any other very small food available. The fry will grow rapidly, achieving a length of 2-3 inches within 3-4 months.

The Christmas Fulu is a hardy and colorful fish that is easily fed and will breed readily in the aquarium. Its bright colors and bold markings, couples with its relatively small size make it an ideal beginner’s Victorian. I highly recommend this fish to anyone considering getting one.