Textilis Lab (Labidochromis textilis) Care Guide
Labidochromis textilis is a slim mbuna cichlid endemic to Lake Malawi, kept in hard-water rock communities of similar temperament.
Overview
Labidochromis textilis is a slim mbuna cichlid endemic to Lake Malawi. It shows horizontal black-and-white striping that recalls a woven textile pattern. FishBase records a maximum of about 7.7 cm standard length, and it is among the calmer mbuna.
Taxonomy
- Family: Cichlidae
- Genus: Labidochromis
- Scientific name: Labidochromis textilis
Habitat
The species is endemic to Lake Malawi, recorded along the east-central coast of the lake. It is a benthopelagic rock-dweller living in the warm, hard, alkaline water of this Rift Valley lake.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 250 L (66 gal)
- Temperature: 24-27 °C (75-81 °F)
- pH: 7.8-8.6
- GH: 10-20 °dGH
- Lifespan: 5-8 years
Diet
Labidochromis textilis is omnivorous; FishBase records a trophic level of about 2.7. In captivity it accepts prepared foods balanced with vegetable matter and small invertebrate items.
Compatibility
As a calmer mbuna it suits rock-aquascaped Malawi communities housing species of comparable aggression. It is unsuitable with soft-water fish such as tetras, angelfish, discus and dwarf cichlids, whose water requirements differ.
Breeding
It is a maternal mouthbrooder, in keeping with other Lake Malawi cichlids; the female incubates and guards the eggs and fry in her mouth.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Least Concern (assessed 2018). It is used in commercial fisheries and the aquarium trade and shows high resilience.