Neochromis greenwoodi (Velvet Black)

Subject: Neochromis greenwoodi (Velvet Black) 3/31/2011, 11:23 am

First topic message reminder :

Neochromis greenwoodi (Velvet Black) - Page 2 IMG_8790-1

From what I have herd only a hand full of groups came to the USA in 2007. I have a group of 10 now with about 100 fry coming. I have came to a decison I will not be selling these but actually giving them away. I am going to hook up with the HCCC and the C.A.R.E.S. Program to spread these fish around and grow the #'s of the species. Once ready I will let them go for $1 each with all money going twards building the C.A.R.E.S program. If you would like to help with this please contact me. Thank you!

usafishbox

Neochromis greenwoodi (Seehausen & Bouton, 1998)

Formerly known as Haplochromis sp. “velvet black”, Neochromis greenwoodi is named in honor of the late British ichthyologist P.H. Greenwood. At 14cm, this is one of the larger Neochromines. Neochromis greenwoodi is found in Mwanza Gulf Lake Victoria at Anchor Island, Mushroom Island, Capri Point, the Gabalema Islands and Igombe Island.

Neochromis greenwoodi occurs in a number of color forms. The traditional coloration for which the descriptive name of “velvet black” was derived is a deep blue-black body with red-orange trim to the caudal fin. The back portion of the dorsal as well as the anal is also trimmed in this manner. Lighter blue coloring in the dorsal and caudal is also common in this species. Females can be typically solid dark grey. Quite often a piebald form exists as well. Beautiful OB males are found at Anchor Island. OB females have orange base body coloration. Five vertical bars line the flanks. There are many color phases throughout Mwanza Gulf.

The cranial profile is straight to slightly convex with a protrusion where the mouth begins (especially in adult males). Teeth in the out rows of both jaws are unicuspid as well as bicuspid. Inner rows number 2-7 and are lined rather symmetrically consisting of unicuspid and tricuspid dentition.

Neochromis greenwoodi is omnivorous showing dietary deviations not only between locales but by season as well (Seehausen, 1996). It is common in the shallow inshore waters.

http://www.cichlidae.com/section.php?n=ff&id=137