Astatotilapia latifasciata (Zebra Obliquidens)

Astatotilapia latifasciata, widely sold as the Zebra Obliquidens, is native to Lake Kyoga in Uganda and is one of the most widely available Victorian-region cichlids in the hobby. Males develop striking black vertical barring over a warm yellow-orange base colour with blue highlights on the face and fins during breeding. The species is hardy, adaptable, and easy to breed, making it an ideal entry point into Victorian-region cichlid keeping.

Despite its common name referencing obliquidens, A. latifasciata is a distinct species from the Lake Kyoga satellite lake system. It is one of the more tolerant Victorian-region cichlids regarding water parameters, accepting a somewhat wider range of pH and hardness than stricter Lake Victoria endemics. It breeds readily in a standard cichlid harem setup and is a maternal mouthbrooder.

Aggression is moderate — typical of Victorian cichlids — and manageable with adequate rockwork and space. It can be kept in a Victorian or mixed African cichlid community with careful species selection.

Water: 22-27°C, pH 7.0-8.5, moderately hard; standard weekly partial water changes. Tank: 150L minimum; rocky décor with open swimming zones. Feeding: Cichlid pellets, spirulina, frozen invertebrates; not fussy. Breeding: Easy maternal mouthbrooder; breeds freely in community tanks. Compatibility: Victorian community; one of the more tolerant Victorian species for mixed setups.