Gobiocichla ethelwynnae

Gobiocichla ethelwynnae is even rarer in the hobby than G. wonderi, with extremely limited collection and captive-breeding records. Like G. wonderi it uses powerful pectoral fins to cling to smooth boulders in fast-flowing Cross River rapids, feeding on periphyton, aufwuchs, and small invertebrates swept past in the current.

In appearance, G. ethelwynnae is cryptically patterned in dark brown and grey with subtle speckling — excellent camouflage against the rocky rapids substrate. Its tank requirements are demanding: maximum water movement, high dissolved oxygen, smooth boulder arrangement, and near-species-tank conditions.

Any hobbyist keeping this species takes on a responsibility for captive preservation of an extremely rare and poorly studied fish. Species-tank management with careful pair maintenance and record-keeping is strongly encouraged.

Water: 24–27°C, pH 6.0–7.5, moderate hardness (GH 5–15, KH 3–10); very high flow and dissolved oxygen. Tank: 100 L minimum species tank; large smooth boulders against maximum powerhead flow. Feeding: Live or frozen small invertebrates; biofilm grazing on rocks should be encouraged naturally. Breeding: Cave-spawner in rock crevices; species tank essential — captive breeding records extremely rare. Compatibility: Species tank only for preservation of this extremely rare cichlid.