Benitochromis nigrodorsalis

Benitochromis nigrodorsalis is distinguished from other Benitochromis by the dramatic black edge running along the entire dorsal fin, which stands in stark contrast to the pale golden-cream body and creates an immediately recognisable silhouette in the aquarium. The species comes from Cameroon and, like its congeners, is a biparental mouthbrooder with both sexes sharing incubation of the developing larvae.

In the aquarium, B. nigrodorsalis is moderately peaceful outside of spawning periods. The pair forms a strong bond and engages in elaborate side-by-side courtship displays before the female deposits eggs on a flat rock or in a shallow pit. Both parents then alternate carrying and protecting the clutch.

Soft to moderately hard water (pH 5.5–7.0) at 24–27°C suits this species. A 120 L tank with varied decoration including flat rocks for spawning, bogwood, and plant shelter is ideal.

Water: 24–27°C, pH 5.5–7.0, soft to moderately hard (GH 2–12, KH 1–6). Tank: 120 L; flat rocks as spawning substrate, bogwood for structure, and plant cover. Feeding: Cichlid pellets, earthworms, frozen bloodworm and brine shrimp for conditioning. Breeding: Biparental mouthbrooder; flat-rock substrate spawning, both parents alternate carrying. Compatibility: Community-suitable outside breeding; avoid delicate or slow-moving species during brood care.