Fossorochromis (Fossorochromis rostratus) Care Guide

Large sand-sifting hap from sandy areas of Lake Malawi reaching 25-30 cm. Males develop blue with white blotches; juveniles silver with bars.

Overview

Fossorochromis rostratus is a species in the family Cichlidae. Large sand-sifting hap from sandy areas of Lake Malawi reaching 25-30 cm. Males develop blue with white blotches; juveniles silver with bars. Peaceful but huge — needs 600 L+ tank with deep sand substrate.

Taxonomy

Family: Cichlidae
Genus: Fossorochromis
Scientific name: Fossorochromis rostratus
Other names: Rostratus
Origin: Africa, Lake Malawi

Habitat

Endemic to Lake Malawi, inhabiting sandy zones in shallow water. Sifts mouthfuls of sand to extract invertebrates and organic matter. A large, peaceful sand-dwelling hap and maternal mouthbrooder requiring a deep sand bed and spacious aquarium.

Tank requirements

Minimum tank volume: 600 L
Temperature: 24-27 °C
pH: 7.8-8.6
GH: 10-20 °dGH
Adult size: 25-30 cm
Lifespan: 10-15 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: peaceful
Swimming level: bottom
Compatible tank mates: Aulonocara peacocks, Other Haps, Synodontis multipunctatus
Avoid with: Mbuna, Tropheus, Discus, Apistogramma, Tetras, Mbuna

Breeding

Breeding strategy: mouthbrooder
Breeding difficulty: intermediate