Xenotilapia melanogenys 'Small Form'

The small form of Xenotilapia melanogenys is a biparental mouthbrooder that inhabits the open sandy shallows of Lake Tanganyika, foraging for invertebrates by sifting through the substrate with its subterminal mouth. The body is silver-cream with striking blue-black markings on the lower jaw and gill covers that intensify dramatically in breeding males, giving the fish a masked, almost theatrical appearance.

Unlike most Tanganyika cichlids, Xenotilapia species practise biparental mouthbrooding: both male and female take turns carrying the developing brood, passing fry between their mouths in a fascinating behaviour rarely seen outside the genus. Groups of five or more individuals are recommended to allow natural social dynamics to develop and to distribute the stress of mouthbrooding duties.

The small form suits aquaria from 120 L upward with a deep fine-sand substrate, open swimming space, and minimal rockwork. It is a peaceful species that coexists readily with most other Tanganyika cichlids occupying different ecological zones. Water must be hard, alkaline, and clean, and the sandy substrate should be kept free of excessive detritus that can harbour pathogens.

Water: pH 7.8–9.0, GH 10–20, KH 8–16, temperature 24–27 °C; clean with low nitrates. Tank: 120 L+; deep fine sand; open swimming space; minimal rock decor. Feeding: Fine-particle cichlid pellets; frozen Artemia, Cyclops, Daphnia; twice daily small feedings. Breeding: Biparental mouthbrooder; pair passes fry between mouths; release fry at ~3 weeks. Compatibility: Peaceful; excellent in mixed Tanganyika biotope with Lamprologines and Cyprichromis.