Breeding Chromidotilapia guentheri (Guenther's Mouthbrooder)

Chromidotilapia guentheri is a pair-bonding biparental mouthbrooder. Eggs are laid on a flat surface and taken into the mouth; both parents care for the fry.

Overview

Chromidotilapia guentheri is a West African cichlid ranging across coastal basins from the St. John River in Liberia to lower Cameroon (FishBase, Wikipedia). It is an ovophilic, pair-bonding mouthbrooder with biparental care; eggs are laid on a flat open surface and taken into the parents' mouth, and both parents care for the young after hatching (FishBase, Wikipedia).

Sexing

The species shows clear sexual differences: males grow larger, to about 20 cm, while females reach about 13 cm, and the first ray of the pectoral fin is more extended in males (Wikipedia). Females display brighter colouration, including a pink belly and a metallic white dorsal stripe.

Conditioning

FishBase records 23-25 °C, pH 6.0-8.0 and 5-19 dH for the species, in lowland coastal floodplains, savannahs and forest waters with submerged roots and branches. Condition pairs on a varied omnivorous diet.

Breeding Setup

Provide a flat open surface for egg deposition and structure such as roots and branches that reflect the natural habitat (Wikipedia). A bonded pair holds a territory; soft to moderately hard, slightly acidic to neutral water within the documented range supports spawning.

Spawning Behavior & Trigger

Eggs are laid on a flat open surface and then taken into the mouth (Wikipedia). Sources describe biparental mouthbrooding with both parents participating in brood care; FishBase notes the male carries out mouthbrooding while both parents care for the young after hatching. The pair coordinates closely throughout.

Egg & Fry Care

After incubation in the mouth, both parents care for the fry, guarding and herding the school once it is free-swimming (Wikipedia). Released fry accept fine first foods. The pair continues to shelter the young for a period after release.

Common Challenges

Forming a compatible bonded pair is the key step; semi-aggressive territorial behaviour during breeding means small or timid tankmates may be harassed. Maintaining the documented soft-water parameters helps spawning succeed.