Xenotilapia melanogenys

Xenotilapia melanogenys is identified by a conspicuous dark lower jaw — melanogenys translates to 'black chin'. It inhabits open sandy zones at shallow to moderate depths, sifting invertebrates from the substrate with precision. Breeding males establish territories and create shallow pit depressions where spawning takes place.

Both parents engage in mouthbrooding duties, passing the clutch between each other — a biparental mouthbrooding strategy characteristic of many Xenotilapia. In the aquarium the species thrives in a sandy-bottomed setup with open space and minimal intrusive décor.

X. melanogenys is a rewarding fish for the dedicated Tanganyika sand-biotope aquarist and combines well with other peaceful open-sand dwelling species such as Enantiopus or Cyathopharynx.

Water: 24–27°C, pH 7.8–9.0, GH 8–16, KH 6–14; fine inert sand; no calcium-leaching rock. Tank: 200 L minimum; significant open sand area; minimal rock; gentle filtration. Feeding: Fine sinking cichlid pellets; frozen Mysis and Daphnia; live Artemia for breeding conditioning. Breeding: Biparental mouthbrooder; males excavate sand pits; both parents hold and swap clutch. Compatibility: Peaceful; best with other Xenotilapia, Enantiopus, or non-aggressive mid-water species.