Finley's Benitochromis (Benitochromis finleyi) Care Guide
Benitochromis finleyi is a small Cameroonian biparental mouthbrooder of soft acidic water, endangered in the wild and restricted to the Mungo and Meme rivers.
Overview
Benitochromis finleyi is a small West-Central African cichlid described by Trewavas in 1974 and serving as the type species of the genus Benitochromis. FishBase records a maximum of about 7.6 cm SL. It is a soft-water, biparental brooder in which both parents care for the offspring.
Taxonomy
- Family: Cichlidae
- Genus: Benitochromis
- Scientific name: Benitochromis finleyi
Habitat
According to FishBase and Wikipedia, the species occurs in the Mungo and Meme rivers and surrounding region of western Cameroon. The genus Benitochromis is endemic to riverine and lake habitats of Middle Africa. It is a benthopelagic freshwater fish of soft, acidic waters.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 150 L
- Temperature: 24-28 °C (75-82 °F)
- pH: 6.0-7.0 (FishBase records 4.8-7.0)
- GH: 2-12 °dGH
- Lifespan: 6-10 years
Diet
FishBase places the species at a trophic level of about 3.3, indicating an omnivorous diet. In the aquarium it accepts a varied diet of prepared, frozen and live foods, fed twice daily.
Compatibility
This is a semi-aggressive, mid-water cichlid best kept as a bonded pair with West African tetras, Congo tetras, Synodontis nigriventris and other peaceful West African cichlids. It should be kept away from Rift Lake mbuna and hard-water cichlids.
Breeding
Benitochromis finleyi is a pair-bonding, ovophilic mouthbrooder with delayed uptake: eggs are spawned on an open substrate, and both parents brood the offspring.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Endangered (assessed 16 February 2009).