Xenotilapia ochrogenys
Xenotilapia ochrogenys
Also known as: Ochrogenys Sand Cichlid
Origin: Lake Tanganyika, Africa
Water Parameters
Quick Stats
- Max Size
- 10 cm
- Min Tank
- 150 L
- Lifespan
- 6-10
- Swimming Level
- bottom
- Schooling
- Yes (6–12+)
- Diet
- omnivore
- Temperament
- Peaceful; mild territorial behaviour during spawning only
About
Xenotilapia ochrogenys inhabits the vast sandy shallows of Lake Tanganyika where it sifts substrate for small invertebrates. A fascinating biparental mouthbrooder, both male and female take turns holding the eggs and fry. Its peaceful temperament and elegant appearance make it ideal for a Tanganyika community with other sand-zone and open-water species.
Care Guide
Water: 24-27°C, pH 7.8-9.0, hard alkaline water. Tank: 150L+; fine sand substrate at least 5cm deep; open areas essential; minimal rockwork. Feeding: Sinking micropellet, baby brine shrimp, cyclops; sifts food from sand naturally. Behaviour: Biparental mouthbrooder; peaceful shoaling species outside of breeding; keep in groups. Compatibility: Cyprichromis leptosoma, Paracyprichromis nigripinnis, Aulonocranus dewindti.
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