Yellow Lepturus (Buccochromis rhoadesii) Care Guide

Large predatory hap from Lake Malawi reaching 30 cm. Males develop bright yellow body with blue head; females silvery.

Overview

Buccochromis rhoadesii is a species in the family Cichlidae. Large predatory hap from Lake Malawi reaching 30 cm. Males develop bright yellow body with blue head; females silvery. Predator of smaller cichlids — keep only with similarly sized hap species in 600 L+ tanks.

Taxonomy

Family: Cichlidae
Genus: Buccochromis
Scientific name: Buccochromis rhoadesii
Origin: Africa, Lake Malawi

Habitat

Endemic to Lake Malawi, ranging over sandy and intermediate zones. A large predatory hap that hunts smaller fishes in open water and over sand. A maternal mouthbrooder requiring a spacious aquarium owing to its size and activity.

Tank requirements

Minimum tank volume: 600 L
Temperature: 24-27 °C
pH: 7.8-8.6
GH: 10-20 °dGH
Adult size: 25-32 cm
Lifespan: 10-15 years
Difficulty: advanced

Diet

Classified as carnivore. Recommended feeding frequency: 2x daily. In captivity, offer a varied diet appropriate to the species — quality prepared foods supplemented with frozen or live items of suitable size.

Compatibility

Temperament: semi-aggressive
Swimming level: middle
Compatible tank mates: Large hap species, Larger Aulonocara
Avoid with: Mbuna, Tropheus, Discus, Apistogramma, Tetras, Small fish, Mbuna

Breeding

Breeding strategy: mouthbrooder
Breeding difficulty: advanced