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.
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).