Aquarists, today I'm going to tell you about a fascinating cohabitation between two aquatic species: the Killi Cap Lopez and prawns. As an aquarium enthusiast from an early age, I've had the opportunity to observe this association at close quarters, and it works wonders in a well-designed nano-aquarium. Let me share with you my experience and advice on how to create a harmonious ecosystem with these little aquatic gems.
Characteristics of Killi Cap Lopez and compatible shrimps
Killi Cap Lopez: a jewel of Central Africa
The Killi Cap Lopez, or Aphyosemion australe by its scientific name, is a small freshwater fish native to Central Africa. Measuring between 4 and 6 cm, this little aquatic jewel is distinguished by its bright colours and the lyre-shaped caudal fin on the male. I love watching their graceful movements in the aquarium - it's a real spectacle!
These fish generally live in pairs or harems, with one male for every two or three females. They particularly like well-planted aquariums with plenty of hiding places and a dark substrate. An amusing anecdote: during my first experience with Killies, I was surprised to see them darting between the plants like real aquatic ninjas!
Dwarf prawns: ideal roommates
To accompany the Cap Lopez Killies, the dwarf shrimps are ideal companions. Species such as Neocaridina and Caridina adapt perfectly to this environment. These small shrimps not only add an aesthetic touch to the aquarium, they also help to maintain the balance of the ecosystem by feeding on debris and algae. algae.
Be careful, however, to avoid large shrimps such as Macrobrachium, which could stress our Killies friends. I once made the mistake of introducing a large shrimp into the aquarium, and I quickly realised that it wasn't a good idea when I saw my Killies constantly hiding!
Optimal living conditions for a successful cohabitation
For this cohabitation to work, it is essential to recreate a suitable environment. Here are the ideal parameters:
- Aquarium size: 20 to 35 litres minimum
- Water temperature: between 18 and 29°C
- pH: slightly acidic, between 5.5 and 7.8
- Lighting: subdued to mimic their natural habitat
Don't forget to change 15 to 30% of water every week to maintain good water quality. It's a small effort that makes all the difference to the well-being of your little guests!
Aquarium layout and maintenance for Killies and shrimps
Creating a natural environment
To recreate an ideal habitat for your Killies Cap Lopez and your prawnsIf you want to keep your Killies in the water, opt for a well-planted aquarium. Aquatic plants not only provide hiding places, but also spawning grounds for Killies. Personally, I love to use plants such as Cryptocorynes or Anubias, which adapt perfectly to the subdued light appreciated by these species.
A dark substrate will help to highlight the Killies' bright colours while reassuring them. Don't hesitate to add a few roots or stones to create shaded areas and additional hiding places. It's amazing how these small changes can make all the difference to your fish's behaviour!
A balanced diet for all
Cap Lopez Killies are carnivores that love live prey. Artemia, daphnia and mud worms are all good sources of food. Shrimps, on the other hand, will make do with food scraps and algae present in the aquarium. Here's a quick summary of suitable foods:
| Species | Main power supply | Supplements |
|---|---|---|
| Killi Cap Lopez | Live prey (artemia, daphnia) | Bloodworms, food flakes |
| Dwarf prawns | Algae, organic debris | Specific granules for prawns |
A tip I've discovered: varying the Killies' diet not only ensures their good health, but also boosts their vibrant colours!
LowTech maintenance and technology
For fans of natural solutions, the LowTech technique is perfectly suited to this type of aquarium. This approach involves creating a balanced ecosystem without sophisticated equipment, relying on plants to filter the water naturally.
A few tips for effective maintenance:
- Carry out regular water changes (15-30% per week)
- Monitor water quality with appropriate tests
- Remove debris and dead leaves regularly
- Prune plants to prevent them from taking over the whole space
By adopting these good practices, you'll create a stable, healthy environment for your Killies and shrimps, while minimising the time spent on maintenance. It's a win-win situation!
Reproduction and sustainability of the colony
One of the most interesting aspects of the cohabitation between Cap Lopez Killies and prawns is the opportunity to observe their reproduction. Killies are notoriously easy to breed in captivity. They lay their eggs on plants or on mops (a kind of thread pompom) that you can place in the aquarium.
The eggs incubate for around 3 weeks. It's always a magical moment to see the first fry appear! Shrimp also reproduce easily in favourable conditions. Their presence contributes to the balance of the aquarium by consuming micro-organisms and algae.
Don't forget that the life expectancy of Cap Lopez Killies is 2 to 3 years. It is therefore important to plan for the renewal of your colony to maintain a dynamic and balanced aquarium over the long term.
Finally, the cohabitation of Cap Lopez Killies and dwarf shrimps offers an exciting spectacle for any aquarist. With a little care and patience, you can create a truly balanced and colourful little ecosystem in your living room. Don't hesitate to embark on this aquatic adventure - you won't regret it!
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