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(702) 420-8903
Buy Aulonocara and Malawi at Vegas Valley Cichlids
Common Names: Star Sapphire
Scientific Name: Placidochromis phenocilus
Origin: Northeastern shoreline between Makonde and Lupingu, Tanzania and at Kasinda, Malawi.
Habitat: Shallow Waters
Gender Differences: Dimorphic
Breeding: Maternal Mouthbrooder
Temperament: Peaceful
Diet: Carnivore
Maximum Size: 9"
Minimum Tank Size: 60G
PH Range: 7.8-8.6
Temperature: 24-28c
Water Hardness: Hard
The phenocilus was placed in the Placidochromis genus due to the similar resemblance females have with Placidochromis electra (Deep Water Hap). P. phenocilus are one of the most interesting fish to watch mature the males colours will change from all blue to having white and light blue spots all over it’s body. Within Lake Malawi there are two variants of this species those from Mdoka to Chirwa males are solid blue with white lips and those from Tanzania which are blue with these white and light blue spots.
The phenocilus follows other fish in the wild sieving through sand to get it’s meal, very similar in it’s feeding style to the Cyrtocara moorii.
Sex differences: As the Placidochromis phenochilus reaches maturity, the male will turn from a grayish color to a glitter-like blue, silver, and white color. Females will be smaller and remain a gray, blue, or violet base with black stripes on their body.
Observed spawning habits:P. phenocilus will start to breed at around four inches long. The fish will excavate a small pit in which they spawn. P. phenocilus are maternal mouthbrooders which means the female with hold the eggs in her mouth until they hatch and the fry develop. The females are usually good holders and will typically hold to term, which is about three weeks. Once the fry have been released from the female’s mouth you can remove the females to keep the fry safe and feed the fry on baby brineshrimp or crushed flake.
Breeding Group
The Fry
Q: I just completed my order, what's next?
A: Before shipment, we quarantine all fish for at least 24-48 hours. During this period, we closely monitor the fish to make sure they are healthy. We also do not feed them during this time in order to 'clean out' their digestive system and limit their ability to soil the water. This helps reduce the amount of waste in the bag and will keep the water clean.
Q: When can I expect my order to be ship?
A: Please see Chart below
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Arrival Date: Southwest |
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Southwest: Depending on your location some cities have limited amount of flights per day. I will normally communicate this with you via email or text the arrival date and arrival time.
Note: If the arrival date above don’t work for you please let me know on the note section upon check out on when you prefer to receive the package.
Q: Who delivers my order and how much?
A: UPS Next Day Air:
For a low flat rate of $45 any where in the US with any size box.
Southwest:
For any order over $200 or order containing mostly large 4+ Males,
we recommend Southwest Air Cargo for flat rate of $55.
Delta Cargo:
This is available to all customers that does not have the option to use
Southwest Air Cargo. Buyer will pay shipping at Delta Cargo Station upon pick
up. (Usually around $75 - $80)
Q: Some or all of my fish arrived dead - what do I do?
A: We offer a Live Arrival Guarantee service for four hours after door delivery. In the event that a fish arrives dead in the shipping bag, you must take clear digital pictures of the fish in an unopened bag and email it to vegasvalleycichlids@gmail.com within four hours of receiving your package. Live Arrival Guarantee is voided after the bags have been opened.
VegasValleyCichlids.com will also refund (Not Store Credit) on any DOA'S that involve carrier mishandling, which includes delays (Less than 48 hours), damaged boxes or water temperature extremes. DOA's must be reported the day of arrival and be accompanied by an emailed photo to ensure refund.
25% DOA
We will refund 25% of shipping and the price of the DOA fish.
50% DOA
We will refund 50% of shipping the and price of the DOA fish.
75% DOA
We will refund 100% of shipping and 100% of all the fish.
You keep the fishes that made it for FREE.
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Dry Goods Over $40
$45 FLAT RATE FISH
OVER NIGHT SHIPPING
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