Chromidotilapia linkei

Chromidotilapia linkei is a Cameroonian species and one of the more attractive members of its genus, combining a warm orange-gold base colour with blue-green iridescent highlights on the scales and a vivid throat in breeding fish. Like all Chromidotilapia, it is a biparental mouthbrooder in which both sexes share the burden of incubating and protecting the developing larvae.

In temperament, C. linkei is considered one of the more gentle Chromidotilapia species, making it well-suited to a community tank with similarly sized West African cichlids or large, robust tetras. Outside of spawning, pairs tolerate their community with reasonable equanimity.

Soft to moderately hard water at pH 6.0–7.5 suits this species. A 120 L tank with bogwood, plants, flat rocks, and open substrate areas allows the pair to display, court, and breed in comfort.

Water: 24–27°C, pH 6.0–7.5, soft to moderately hard (GH 3–15, KH 2–10). Tank: 120 L; bogwood, plants, flat rocks as spawning sites, and open substrate areas. Feeding: Quality cichlid pellets, earthworms, frozen bloodworm, brine shrimp, and varied meaty foods. Breeding: Biparental mouthbrooder; both parents hold and protect developing larvae alternately. Compatibility: Good community cichlid — pairs well with large tetras, West African species, and robust catfish.