Chromidotilapia finleyi

Chromidotilapia finleyi comes from the Cross River drainage shared by Nigeria and Cameroon, and is one of the most colourful Chromidotilapia species. Males display a vivid reddish-orange to brick-red body with a strong dark lateral stripe and blue-green iridescent scale margins; females are somewhat more muted but develop bright belly colouration during spawning. The species is a biparental mouthbrooder with both sexes sharing incubation duties.

C. finleyi is somewhat more assertive than C. linkei during breeding, and tankmates should be chosen with care. Outside of breeding periods the species is generally manageable in a well-structured community. The pair bond is strong and this species tends to breed with reasonable reliability once properly conditioned.

Soft to moderately hard water at pH 6.0–7.5 and temperatures of 24–27°C are appropriate. A 120 L tank with heavy decoration, including bogwood and plants to break sightlines, is recommended.

Water: 24–27°C, pH 6.0–7.5, soft to moderately hard (GH 3–15, KH 2–10). Tank: 120 L; heavy planting, bogwood, flat rocks, and sightline breaks to reduce breeding aggression. Feeding: Cichlid pellets, earthworms, frozen bloodworm, prawns; varied meaty diet essential. Breeding: Biparental mouthbrooder; both sexes hold clutch alternately; moderate aggression during brood care. Compatibility: Pairs with robust larger tetras or other West African species; avoid delicate tankmates during breeding.