Cunningtonia longiventralis

Cunningtonia longiventralis is among the rarest Tanganyika cichlids to appear in the hobby. Like Cyathopharynx furcifer, males develop extraordinarily elongated pelvic fins used in elaborate courtship displays over open sandy substrate. The species occupies large open-sand areas at moderate depths and is rarely exported in quantity due to its limited collection range.

Male colouration during breeding combines blue iridescence and yellow-gold flank highlights with flowing pelvic fin extensions that create a display of considerable drama. Females are compact and plain, incubating the clutch as sole mouthbrooders.

This fish is strictly for the advanced Tanganyika specialist with a large dedicated setup, offering a combination of extreme finnage, active display behaviour, and sand construction spectacle unlike any other freshwater species.

Water: 24–27°C, pH 7.8–9.0, GH 8–16, KH 6–14; very clean, well-filtered water with gentle flow over sand. Tank: 400 L minimum; very large open sandy floor; minimal intrusive décor; stable conditions. Feeding: Quality sinking cichlid pellets; frozen Mysis and Artemia; feed lightly twice daily. Breeding: Female mouthbrooder; males display over open sand; female holds fry for 4–5 weeks. Compatibility: Peaceful; suitable with Xenotilapia, Enantiopus, Cyprichromis, and calm Tanganyika species.