Lethrinops marginatus Care Guide
Lethrinops marginatus is a sand-sifting haplochromine from Lake Malawi that forages for invertebrates over sandy bottoms in peaceful hap setups.
Overview
Lethrinops marginatus is a sand-sifting haplochromine cichlid endemic to Lake Malawi. It belongs to the group of Lethrinops species known to hobbyists as sandsifters for their feeding behaviour. Males develop blue colouration with a red dorsal margin, while females remain silvery.
Taxonomy
- Family: Cichlidae
- Genus: Lethrinops
- Scientific name: Lethrinops marginatus
- Tribe: Haplochromini
Habitat
FishBase records the species as endemic to Lake Malawi, known from the north-western end of the lake, occurring over sandy substrates in shallow areas as a demersal fish. The genus is restricted to Lake Malawi and is noted for the rapid speciation typical of the lake's cichlids.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 300 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
The species is a carnivore that feeds primarily on soft invertebrates, which it extracts by sifting sand. A sand substrate lets the fish display this natural behaviour. In the aquarium, small frozen and prepared foods support its diet.
Compatibility
It is a peaceful, bottom-oriented hap that suits a community of other Lake Malawi haps and Aulonocara peacocks, alongside catfish such as Synodontis multipunctatus. It should not be mixed with aggressive mbuna, Tropheus, or soft-water species such as discus, Apistogramma and tetras.
Breeding
Like other Malawi haplochromines, Lethrinops marginatus is a maternal mouthbrooder. The female incubates eggs and fry in her mouth. Captive breeding is rated intermediate.
Conservation status
The IUCN Red List assesses Lethrinops marginatus as Least Concern (assessed 20 June 2018).