Telmatochromis dhonti

Telmatochromis dhonti is one of the larger members of its genus, recognisable by three or four bold horizontal dark stripes running the length of the body against a pale cream background. In Lake Tanganyika it occupies rocky shoreline zones, spawning in crevices, caves, and occasionally large empty shells. It is more tolerant of conspecifics and tankmates than many Lamprologines, making it one of the more community-compatible shell-associated Tanganyika cichlids.

In the aquarium, dhonti does best with a combination of rockwork and shells. A well-structured rocky aquascape with caves will allow a pair to spawn comfortably, and the female's brood care is attentive and reliable. Both parents participate in territory defence once fry are free-swimming, which is unusual for the genus and adds an interesting behavioural dimension.

Dhonti is a robust species that accepts a wide range of foods and adapts readily to captive conditions. It is a good choice for the intermediate Tanganyika hobbyist looking for a larger shell-associated species with interesting social behaviour. Keep water hard, alkaline, and clean, and provide a mix of cave and shell options as spawning sites.

Water: pH 7.8–9.0, GH 10–20, KH 8–16, temperature 24–27 °C; regular water changes. Tank: 80 L for a pair; rocky aquascape with caves plus large shells; sandy substrate. Feeding: Omnivore; accepts pellets, flake, frozen Artemia and Mysis; feed twice daily. Breeding: Cave or shell spawner; biparental defence of fry; remove rivals during breeding period. Compatibility: More tolerant than most Telmatochromis; can share with calm mid-water Tanganyikans.