Taeniolethrinops furcicauda

Taeniolethrinops furcicauda is set apart from the Lethrinops genus by its distinctively forked tail — a feature unique enough to warrant its own genus designation. This large sand-sifter can reach 28 cm and males in full breeding color turn entirely electric blue, making them one of the most dramatically colored of all sand-dwelling Malawi haplochromines.

The species inhabits extensive sandy shallows across Lake Malawi, performing sweeping foraging passes over the substrate. In the aquarium it requires a very large, open sandy floor of at least 450 L. The forked tail catches the light beautifully when the fish turns and is particularly conspicuous during courtship displays.

This is a maternal mouthbrooder producing large broods. Females are plain silver-grey. Males are territorial over the sandy floor but not aggressive toward fish of dissimilar shape and size. A spectacular centerpiece for a large sand-biotope Malawi aquarium featuring Peacocks and other mid-sized Haps.

Water: pH 7.6–8.8, 24–28°C, GH 10–20, KH 10–18; stable alkaline conditions; moderate-strong filtration. Tank: 450 L minimum; deep fine sand substrate; maximum open floor area; minimal rock decoration. Feeding: Omnivore sinking pellets, large frozen mysis, krill, and live blackworm buried in sand; feed twice daily. Breeding: Maternal mouthbrooder; large broods; females hold 3–4 weeks; isolate brooding female. Compatibility: Peaceful toward dissimilar fish; keep with Aulonocara, Copadichromis, Lethrinops; avoid aggressive species.