Tanganyikan Hap (Ctenochromis horei) Care Guide
Ctenochromis horei is a cichlid endemic to Lake Tanganyika. This guide covers its tank requirements, diet, behaviour and breeding.
Overview
Ctenochromis horei is a cichlid (family Cichlidae) endemic to Lake Tanganyika in East Africa. FishBase gives a maximum of 20.0 cm standard length; in the wild males reach 18-20 cm and females 12-15 cm. Juveniles are omnivorous while adults are mainly piscivorous (trophic level ~3.
Taxonomy
- Family: Cichlidae
- Scientific name: Ctenochromis horei
- Described by: Günther, 1894
This species has been reclassified into the monospecific genus Shuja (as Shuja horei); the name Ctenochromis horei remains in wide aquarium use.
Habitat
It occurs in the Lake Tanganyika basin across Burundi, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Tanzania and Zambia, including tributary rivers (Ruzizi, Nua, Malagarazi) and the Lukuga outflow. It favours shallow inshore areas and lower river reaches over both rock and sand.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 400 L (106 gal)
- Adult size: 15-19 cm
- Temperature: 24-27 °C (75-81 °F)
- pH: 8.5-9.2 (hard, alkaline rift-lake water)
- GH: 12-25 °dGH
- Lifespan: 7-11 years
Diet
Juveniles are omnivorous while adults are mainly piscivorous (trophic level ~3.5).
Compatibility
Ctenochromis horei is a semi-aggressive species that occupies the middle water layer. In a dedicated Lake Tanganyika community it is typically kept with Cyphotilapia, Cyprichromis, Larger Lamprologines. Avoid combining it with Mbuna, Small fish.
Breeding
Females are maternal mouthbrooders. Dominant males defend harems and display an orange spot on the anal fin during courtship.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Least Concern. It is threatened locally by siltation from agriculture and by seine-net overfishing.