This year we’re going to use Pseudocrenilabrus sp. ‘Ruaha,’ which is a small mouthbrooding cichlid native to the Ruaha River in Tanzania. Maximum size is listed as about 3 inches, which makes it manageable for most aquarists. GAAS member, Dave Williamson will be providing these fish for the Growth Program. Based on Dave’s personal experience with the parents of the fish we will be using, their temperament is pretty docile for an African cichlid. Adult males can get a little rough with each other, but other species of fish were generally ignored.
All GAAS members are eligible to participate in the Growth Program 2026.
If you would like to participate, just show up at the March 13 meeting and pick up a bag of juveniles. Presently the juveniles are between 3/8″ and 1/2″ and will eat most typical aquarium foods as long as it is small enough to swallow. The Growth Program will end with the November 2026 meeting, just bring in your largest individual. This isn’t like the show judging, only size is considered. It’s that simple, largest fish wins a cash prize!
If for some reason you aren’t able to attend the meeting, contact Dave at dwilliamson223@hotmail.com and we’ll try to work something out.
A side competition: If any of the fish from this program successfully spawn by the November judging, the first breeder also gets a cash prize!
Good luck and good growing!