Lake Malawi syno Care Guide

The Lake Malawi Syno is a fascinating and moderately hardy aquatic entity, known for its vibrant aesthetic and unique behaviors. This guide aims to provide essential information for the proper care and maintenance of this species.

Care Process

The Lake Malawi Syno thrives best in aquarium water with a pH range between 7.8 to 8.5. The temperature should be maintained between 24°C to 28°C to ensure optimal health and longevity. As a moderately hardy species, they are suitable for aquarists with some level of experience.

Feeding

The Lake Malawi Syno is an omnivore with a diverse diet that includes both plant and animal matter. It should be fed a balanced mixture of flakes, pellets, and frozen or live foods such as bloodworms, brine shrimp, tubifex worms, and micro worms. Vegetable matter, algae wafers, and color enhancing food can help in maintaining vibrant colors. It is advisable to rotate the diet regularly to ensure all nutritional needs are met, and occasionally supplement with feeder fish or freeze-dried foods for variety.

Tank Setup

These social fish are best kept in groups, with a minimum school size of six to promote natural behavior and reduce stress. Each fish requires at least 20 liters of tank water to swim freely. The tank habitat for Lake Malawi Syno can range from surface, mid-level to bottom-dweller areas, allowing them to exhibit dynamic swimming patterns. It is important to provide a mix of open spaces and hiding spots using rocks, plants, and other decorations to cater to their moderately territorial nature.

Behavior and Compatibility

Lake Malawi Syno exhibits a mostly peaceful temperament with moderate territorial behavior, making them compatible with other similar-sized peaceful species. They are slightly more aggressive during breeding, and care should be taken to monitor their interactions during this period. Their social nature ensures they thrive in community tanks when proper conditions are met.

Additional Considerations

Given the moderate difficulty in caring for the Lake Malawi Syno, regular maintenance is necessary. Routine water changes and monitoring of water parameters are vital to prevent health issues. They are considered an uncommon addition to aquariums, prized for their popularity and striking presence. The species is listed as 'Least Concern' in terms of conservation status, so ethical sourcing is encouraged.