Callochromis Macrops (Callochromis macrops) Care Guide

Large-eyed sand-sifter reaching 14 cm. Males develop bright orange-red mid-body and iridescent blue scales. Mouthbrooder; needs spacious tank with deep sand for digging.

Overview

Callochromis macrops is a species in the family Cichlidae. Large-eyed sand-sifter reaching 14 cm. Males develop bright orange-red mid-body and iridescent blue scales. Mouthbrooder; needs spacious tank with deep sand for digging.

Taxonomy

Family: Cichlidae
Genus: Callochromis
Scientific name: Callochromis macrops
Other names: Big-Eye Callochromis
Origin: Africa, Lake Tanganyika

Habitat

Endemic to Lake Tanganyika, inhabiting open sandy zones in shallow water. Sifts sand for invertebrates and feeds on small benthic prey. A sand-dwelling cichlid; males build sand-crater spawning sites and are maternal mouthbrooders. Requires a fine sand substrate.

Tank requirements

Minimum tank volume: 400 L
Temperature: 24-27 °C
pH: 8.5-9.2
GH: 12-25 °dGH
Adult size: 12-15 cm
Lifespan: 6-10 years
Difficulty: intermediate

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: bottom
Compatible tank mates: Cyprichromis, Cyphotilapia
Avoid with: Mbuna, Tropheus

Breeding

Breeding strategy: mouthbrooder
Breeding difficulty: intermediate