Guenther's Mouthbrooder (Chromidotilapia guentheri) Care Guide
Chromidotilapia guentheri is a West African biparental mouthbrooder reaching about 18 cm, in which both parents carry the fry, suited to soft-water tanks.
Overview
Chromidotilapia guentheri, Guenther's mouthbrooder, is a West African cichlid in which both parents participate in mouthbrooding. Males reach about 20 cm and females about 13 cm. Both sexes are generally tan; the female has a pink belly and a metallic white stripe on the dorsal fin, while males have more extended pectoral rays. The synonym Pelmatochromis guentheri appears in older literature.
Taxonomy
- Family: Cichlidae
- Genus: Chromidotilapia
- Scientific name: Chromidotilapia guentheri
- Common synonym: Pelmatochromis guentheri
Habitat
According to FishBase and Wikipedia, the species ranges across West African coastal basins from the St John River in Liberia to lower Cameroon and the Benito River in Equatorial Guinea, in lowland waters of coastal floodplains, savannahs and forests. It is a benthopelagic freshwater fish.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 200 L
- Temperature: 24-28 °C (75-82 °F)
- pH: 6.0-7.5
- GH: 2-12 °dGH
- Lifespan: 6-10 years
Diet
Wikipedia describes the species as a bottom-feeding omnivore that consumes small invertebrates, algae and organic detritus, sifting mouthfuls of substrate for edible items. 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, hard-water cichlids and small fish that may be harassed when it is breeding.
Breeding
Chromidotilapia guentheri is a biparental mouthbrooder. Eggs are laid on an open surface and then taken into the mouth; both parents participate in brooding and continue to care for the young after hatching.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Least Concern (assessed 21 April 2019).