Amphilophus chancho

Amphilophus chancho is the deep-bodied, molariform member of the Lake Apoyo cichlid radiation. Where A. sagittae is slender and open-water adapted, A. chancho is robust and benthic, with a thickened snout and powerful pharyngeal jaw apparatus suited for crushing snails and other hard prey. This ecological divergence within a single small lake is a celebrated example of sympatric speciation.

In the aquarium, A. chancho displays impressive coloration: a silvery-gold base with variable dark lateral patterning and blue iridescent scaling. Males develop a distinct nuchal hump at maturity. The species is moderately aggressive and does well in setups replicating the clear, warm, alkaline waters of Lake Apoyo.

Captive diet should include hard-shelled foods such as crushed snails and mussel to exercise the pharyngeal dentition, alongside standard high-quality cichlid pellets.

Water: 26–30°C, pH 7.5–8.5, GH 10–18, KH 5–12; maintain high clarity with efficient filtration. Tank: 350 L minimum; rocky substrate areas and open sand; secure caves for territory establishment. Feeding: Omnivore — include crushed snails, mussel, and hard-shelled foods alongside pellets. Breeding: Substrate spawner on rocks or sand; strong pair bond; biparental fry guarding. Compatibility: Robust cichlids of similar size; avoid housing with very aggressive large species.