Publication2 med aquascape Publication1cs complete

Notes and aquarium experience: Described under Nandopsis and Cichlasoma in older literature, trimaculatus were finally as- signed to Amphilophus by Sven Kullander in 2003. Recent taxonomy revisions (Concheiro et al. 2007) still have the cichlid assigned to the Amphilophus complex, so ensures its classified status. A once beautiful tank buster has seen A.trimaculatus have a hard time in the aquarium trade since the arrival of the Flowerhorn cichlid from the Far East. Many specimens have been mixed up and hybridized thus resulting in low grade flower horns. A. trimaculatus have region- al variations and can be very hard to spot true trimaculatus with low grade flowerhorns. Some experts point out that flowerhorns display more spangling around the spot regions and un- paired fins. Sometimes the pink colouration around the throat and operculum region can be more widespread and deeper red in colour. Since juvenile fish are less apparent to tell the differ- ences, the only way of obtaining pure stock is to buy from a reputable breeder/ importer. In the aquarium, they are unfussy regarding wa- ter chemistry but must be kept in aquariums with good filtration. They are messy greedy eat- ers and will except anything offered. A non-predatory fish in the wild they are more opportunistic feeders. Most fish in the wild would feed on insects, detritus and the odd fish, so offer a good range of foods. 34

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