Caprichromis orthognathus

Caprichromis orthognathus is closely related to Lichnochromis in its ecology — it is a specialized egg-and-fry predator that rams mouthbrooding female cichlids to force the release of their brood. The 'orthognathus' name refers to its straight jaw, distinguishing it from its sibling species C. eucinostomus. Males are attractively colored in orange-yellow on the anterior body blending to blue-green on the posterior, with red-orange anal fin egg spots.

In the aquarium, the egg-stealing behavior is observed when mouthbrooding females of other species are present; without this stimulus the fish functions as a conventional mid-sized carnivore. It is moderately aggressive toward conspecific males but can be managed in large tanks with adequate territory. The coloration of dominant males is genuinely attractive and makes the species a colorful conversation piece for Malawi specialists.

Maternal mouthbrooder. Females are dull olive-brown. Infrequently available in the hobby, making specimens particularly sought after by specialist collectors interested in Malawi's behavioral diversity.

Water: pH 7.6–8.8, 24–28°C, GH 10–20, KH 10–18; stable alkaline water; moderate to strong filtration. Tank: 350 L minimum; open mid-water zones with rocky cover; one male per tank. Feeding: Carnivore pellets, frozen krill, mysis; feed twice daily; will target brooding females if present. Breeding: Maternal mouthbrooder; moderate broods; rarely bred in standard home aquaria. Compatibility: Keep with large Haps; monitor for targeting of brooding females of other species.