Benitochromis conjunctus

Benitochromis conjunctus is collected from coastal river systems in Cameroon, where it inhabits slow to moderately flowing forest streams with soft, acidic water. The body is warm brown to tan with subtle blue-green iridescent scale margins, and the fin edges carry distinctive blue-white highlights. Like all Benitochromis, it is a biparental mouthbrooder — one of a small group of African cichlids in which both sexes actively incubate the clutch and alternate custody of the developing larvae.

In the aquarium, B. conjunctus is a moderately peaceful cichlid that forms a strong pair bond. Outside of active breeding, the pair is generally tolerant of robust community companions. During active mouthbrooding, the holding parent will seek shelter and the guarding partner will discourage intruders.

Soft, slightly acidic conditions (pH 5.5–7.0) reflecting the coastal Cameroon forest streams are ideal. A 120 L tank with bogwood, plants, and flat rock structures provides appropriate space and stimulation for pair maintenance and breeding.

Water: 24–27°C, pH 5.5–7.0, soft to moderately hard (GH 2–12, KH 1–6). Tank: 120 L; bogwood, flat rocks, and dense plants for shelter and spawning sites. Feeding: Cichlid pellets, earthworms, frozen bloodworm, and brine shrimp; varied omnivorous diet. Breeding: Biparental mouthbrooder — both sexes carry and exchange larvae; pair defends territory actively. Compatibility: Good community cichlid outside breeding; one pair per tank.