Lethrinops lethrinus Care Guide
Lethrinops lethrinus is the type species of its genus, a sand-sifting Lake Malawi hap that forages on small invertebrates over sandy bottoms.
Compiled by Aquairi from published sources · Published · Updated
Overview
Lethrinops lethrinus is the type species of the genus Lethrinops, slim sand-sifting haplochromines endemic to Lake Malawi. Males show a blue body with a yellow neck band, giving rise to the hobby name Yellow Collar. It is a peaceful, active diurnal forager.
Taxonomy
- Family: Cichlidae
- Genus: Lethrinops
- Scientific name: Lethrinops lethrinus
- Tribe: Haplochromini
Habitat
FishBase records the species from Lake Malawi, the upper Shire River and Lake Malombe, including small perennial rivers on the western shore. It is a demersal fish found at depths from 0 to 20 m. The genus is restricted to the Lake Malawi system and known for explosive speciation.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 350 L
- Temperature: 24-27 °C (75-81 °F)
- pH: 7.8-8.6
- GH: 10-20 °dGH
- Substrate: open sand bed for sifting
- Lifespan: 6-9 years
Diet
FishBase reports that the species feeds on small invertebrates. As a sand-sifter, it processes mouthfuls of substrate to extract prey. In the aquarium it accepts small frozen and prepared foods, with an open sand bed encouraging natural foraging.
Compatibility
It is peaceful and bottom-oriented, suited to other Lake Malawi haps and Aulonocara peacocks plus catfish such as Synodontis multipunctatus. Avoid aggressive mbuna, Tropheus and soft-water fish such as discus, Apistogramma and tetras.
Breeding
Lethrinops lethrinus is a maternal mouthbrooder, as typical for Malawi haplochromines, with the female holding eggs and fry in her mouth. Captive breeding is rated intermediate.
Conservation status
The IUCN Red List assesses Lethrinops lethrinus as Least Concern (assessed 20 June 2018).
Lethrinops lethrinus Breeding Guide
Overview
Lethrinops lethrinus is a slim sand-sifting haplochromine endemic to the Lake Malawi system, including Lake Malombe and the upper Shire River, where it lives in sandy and intermediate zones at depths of about 10-50 m and reaches around 20 cm total length (Wikipedia). It feeds primarily on small invertebrates and zooplankton, sifting them from the sand with specialised mouthparts, and is a maternal mouthbrooder.
Sexing
Males display more vibrant colour than females, with bright blue and yellow markings, particularly on the fins, while females remain more subdued; the record describes the male's yellow neck band and blue body. Colour is therefore the practical sexing cue in mature fish.
Conditioning
Reflecting its sand-sifting diet of small invertebrates and zooplankton, the species takes meaty and prepared foods; the record lists carnivore feeding twice daily. Recorded parameters are a temperature of 24-27 C, pH 7.8-8.6 and GH 10-20 dGH, with stable alkaline water supporting conditioning.
Breeding Setup
Provide a deep open sand bed for natural foraging and spawning; the record lists a minimum of 350 L. A single male with several females in a peaceful sand-biotope tank suits this active diurnal forager.
Egg & Fry Care
After spawning the female collects the eggs in her mouth where they are fertilised, then carries the fertilised eggs and later the fry orally until the offspring are ready for independent life. Isolating a holding female protects the brood until release.
Common Challenges
As a peaceful sand species it should not be housed with boisterous or aggressive cichlids that disturb foraging or harass a holding female. A fine, deep sand bed and clean alkaline water are the key requirements for reliable spawning.