Featherfin Cichlid

Cyathopharynx furcifer is renowned as one of the most breathtaking Lake Tanganyika cichlids. Males construct large sand bowl nests on the lake bottom and display in full iridescent blue-green breeding dress with flamboyant feather-like pelvic fins. A maternal mouthbrooder, it requires a spacious aquarium with open sandy areas and stable alkaline chemistry to showcase its full potential.

Water: 24-27°C, pH 7.8-9.0, hard alkaline water; excellent filtration and water changes. Tank: 300L+ with large open sand zones; rockwork at edges; no dense decor on the floor. Feeding: Spirulina-based flake and micropellet primarily; supplement with frozen plankton or cyclops. Behaviour: Males are stunning but aggressive toward rival males; keep one male with 3-4 females. Compatibility: Cyphotilapia frontosa, Xenotilapia, Ophthalmotilapia ventralis in large systems.