[justin323]

I just got my lion's cove afra today, unfortunately just one because I couldn't wait another three weeks for the females. I would appreciate it anybody has got a few pics they would like share with me. thanks

 

[why_spyder]

Are you referring to the Cynotilapia sp. lion 'Lion's Cove'? Or the Cynotilapia sp. mbamba 'Lion's Cove'?

 

[dwschacht]

Are you referring to the Cynotilapia sp. lion 'Lion's Cove'? Or the Cynotilapia sp. mbamba 'Lion's Cove'?

neither of which is an afra...

 

[why_spyder]

neither of which is an afra...

Tis true, but many people refer to anything that is in the Cynotilapia genus as "afra". I have seen many people call the 'lion' group 'afra's.

 

[dwschacht]

I have a nice group of Cyno. sp. "Lion" (Lions Cove), but I havn't been able to get a descent picture... Sorry.

 

[SinisterKisses]

Depending on which species you mean, as mentioned above there are a couple different possibilities, I may have some pics. If it's Cyno. sp. "Lion's Cove" that you're after, I'll post them up.

 

[justin323]

Sorry I haven't checked this since posting they are Cynotilapia sp. lion 'Lion's Cove'
But why isn't it an afra? I thought that was how it was classified :-?
(I post pics of mine as soon as they wake up )

 

[dwschacht]

But why isn't it an afra?

You would have to speak with Ad Konings. He has them in the genus because they are similar, but I guess he has found sufficient differences from the species afra. They are not classified yet.

This is called out a little more in his 4th edition book if I am not mistaken. I still only have the 3rd edition so I can't look it up for you.

 

[why_spyder]

But why isn't it an afra? I thought that was how it was classified :-?
(I post pics of mine as soon as they wake up )

Just like with any other mbuna (such as the Metriaclima genus), the Cynotilapia genus is split up based on physical features (body shape, color, dentition, etc.). Cyno. afra are their own species, as well as the Cyno. sp. lion, Cyno. sp. mbamba, etc.

The "afra" name is commonly thrown into the trade name of any cichlid in the Cynotilapia genus. This isn't right, but the word "afra" is now synonymous with any cichlid in the Cynotilapia genus - making it easier for people (usually the general public) to understand what group of cichlid it is.

 

[justin323]

I see I thought they were actually classified like that. thanks Any pics?

 

[why_spyder]

Let me see if I have any of mine uploaded. :-?

 

[SinisterKisses]

Here's what I have left of mine.

 

[justin323]

Nice fish, mine is still keeping his color turned down but already making his place in the tank. I'm sure when I get his females he'll color up quite nicely.

 

[why_spyder]

Here's some miscellaneous photos of ones I either have now or had in the past (in no particular order).

 

[justin323]

I take it no problems with your white top then? I'm not planning on putting the lions cove in with him, but you know sometimes you gotta shuffle em around(At least I do anyway)

 

[why_spyder]

No problems whatsoever. Here's the Cynotilapia species that I have together now - and have no aggression problems.

Cynotilapia sp. hara 'Gallireya Reef'
Cynotilapia sp. lion 'Lion's Cove'
Cynotilapia sp. mbamba 'Mphanga Rocks'
Cynotilapia sp. black mbamba 'Lupingu'

 

[justin323]

That's good to know, I like to shuffle my fish around usually around every six months it seems. It keeps me from getting to bored watching the same thing.

Thanks, Justin :thumb: