Signatus

Adult males reach up to 5 cm in length, while females are considerably smaller, growing no more than 3 cm. The body is marked with alternating dark and light vertical stripes, which are most pronounced in males. Sexual dimorphism is otherwise rather weak in this species.

The Signatus is endemic to Lake Tanganyika in East Africa. In nature, the fish inhabit deep areas with soft or silty substrate where they find shelter in empty mollusk shells. They stay near the bottom, preferring zones with moderate water flow and the lake's characteristic water parameters: high alkalinity and significant total hardness.

Despite their modest size, Signatus are territorial and quite aggressive. They actively defend their shelter—a shell—against potential rivals. Males are especially hostile to one another, so in a small tank it is best to keep only one male with several females. They can coexist with similarly sized fish that prefer to stay in the water column or near the surface.

A pair of Signatus requires an aquarium of at least 40 litres. Use fine sand as the substrate, which allows the fish to forage naturally. A few empty snail shells provide natural shelter; grape snail shells are ideal, but the Signatus will use any suitable hiding place. Live plants are not essential. Successful keeping depends on maintaining very clean water and high pH and dGH levels. Change 20–25% of the water weekly for fresh, use a powerful filtration system, and clean the substrate regularly to remove organic waste.

Feed live or frozen foods such as bloodworm, brine shrimp, and daphnia. Specialized sinking pellets with high protein content also work well. Choose products from reputable manufacturers.

If you plan to breed Signatus, provide plenty of empty shells—a female may need up to five. Unusually for cichlids, the female initiates spawning by attracting the male to her shell, where fertilization takes place. After the fry hatch, the shells serve as a safe refuge. Although the parents do not threaten their young, they offer little protection either. It is advisable to move shells with fertilized eggs to a separate tank with identical water conditions.

Poor keeping conditions and low-quality food are the main cause of disease in Lake Tanganyika cichlids, often leading to conditions such as African bloat. If you notice the first signs of illness, check the water parameters first and ensure ammonia, nitrite, and nitrate levels are not dangerously high. Correct any parameter deviations before attempting treatment.

When buying, select active fish with clean fins and no visible damage. Watch their behaviour: healthy individuals show territorial interest in the substrate or shelters. Avoid specimens showing signs of emaciation, a sunken belly, or unusual spots on the scales, as these fish can be sensitive to the stress of transport and changes in conditions.