Linke's Cichlid (Chromidotilapia linkei) Care Guide
Chromidotilapia linkei is a Cameroonian biparental mouthbrooder of soft water, endangered in the wild and restricted to the Mungo and Wouri systems.
Overview
Chromidotilapia linkei, Linke's cichlid, is a small Cameroonian biparental mouthbrooder. FishBase records a maximum of about 7.7 cm SL, with a recorded maximum total length of 9.3 cm. It is uncommon in the hobby and forms long-term pairs.
Taxonomy
- Family: Cichlidae
- Genus: Chromidotilapia
- Scientific name: Chromidotilapia linkei
Habitat
According to FishBase, the species is known only from the Mungo and Wouri river systems in Cameroon. It is a benthopelagic freshwater fish of soft, slightly acidic to neutral waters.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 150 L
- Temperature: 24-28 °C (75-82 °F)
- pH: 6.0-7.0
- GH: 2-12 °dGH
- Lifespan: 6-10 years
Diet
FishBase reports that the species feeds mainly on detritus and aufwuchs, with a trophic level of about 3.3. In the aquarium it accepts a varied omnivorous 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
Chromidotilapia linkei is a pair-bonding, ovophilic, biparental mouthbrooder. FishBase reports that females brood up to about 150 eggs in the mouth, with both parents tending the young.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Endangered (assessed 16 February 2009).