Lipochromis parvidens

Lipochromis parvidens is a paedophage — a cichlid that specialises in stealing larvae or eggs from the mouths of brooding female mouthbrooders. In the wild it approaches brooding females and mimics the egg-dummy spots on its anal fin to trigger the female to open her mouth, then rapidly snaps up the larvae. This highly sophisticated predatory behaviour represents one of the most remarkable examples of co-evolutionary arms races documented among Victorian cichlids.

In the aquarium, L. parvidens is a fascinating species for advanced aquarists with an interest in Victorian cichlid ecology. It should not be housed with actively brooding females of other species if protecting broods is a priority. On its own, it can be fed high-quality cichlid pellets and frozen meaty foods and will adapt to aquarium feeding.

This is a species best reserved for dedicated Victorian cichlid setups where its unusual biology can be observed and appreciated, and where careful management prevents it from decimating the broods of other species.

Water: 22-27°C, pH 7.0-8.5, hard alkaline; consistent weekly water changes. Tank: 200L+; managed Victorian species setup; do not keep with actively brooding females you wish to protect. Feeding: Cichlid pellets and frozen meaty foods; adapts to standard aquarium feeding. Breeding: Maternal mouthbrooder itself; fascinating to observe despite its unusual feeding ecology. Compatibility: Advanced Victorian only; keep separate from brooding females of other species.