Lobochilotes labiatus Care Guide
Lobochilotes labiatus is a large thick-lipped Lake Tanganyika cichlid, the only species in its genus, feeding on invertebrates from rock crevices.
Compiled by Aquairi from published sources · Published · Updated
Overview
Lobochilotes labiatus is a cichlid of the family Cichlidae and the only known species in its monotypic genus, established by Boulenger in 1915. It is endemic to Lake Tanganyika, where it is widely distributed. FishBase records a maximum total length of about 36.8 cm.
Taxonomy
- Family: Cichlidae
- Genus: Lobochilotes (monotypic)
- Scientific name: Lobochilotes labiatus
- Described by: Boulenger, 1898
Habitat
The species is endemic to Lake Tanganyika and widely distributed across the lake, occurring roughly between 3°S and 9°S. According to FishBase it is a freshwater, benthopelagic fish, using its fleshy lips to extract prey from rocky crevices.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 800 L
- Temperature: 24-27 °C (75-81 °F)
- pH: 8.5-9.2 (FishBase records 7.5-8.5)
- GH: 12-25 °dGH
- Lifespan: 12-18 years
Diet
According to FishBase, Lobochilotes labiatus feeds on bivalve molluscs, crabs and other invertebrates. Its thick, rubbery lips help it press against rock surfaces to suck out prey from crevices. In the aquarium it accepts meaty foods.
Compatibility
This large, semi-aggressive species uses the middle of the tank and is a centrepiece fish requiring a very large aquarium. It is best combined with robust Tanganyika species such as Cyphotilapia, while small fish and Mbuna should be avoided.
Breeding
According to FishBase, females are mouthbrooders; larvae of up to about 2.03 cm are brooded by females ranging from roughly 14.8 to 19.0 cm standard length.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Least Concern. The species is recorded in commercial fisheries and the aquarium trade.
Lobochilotes labiatus Breeding Guide
Overview
Lobochilotes labiatus is a large Tanganyika cichlid, reaching up to about 36.8 cm TL, with thick rubbery lips used to extract invertebrates from rock crevices. It is usually seen near rocks but is suspected to roam sunken sand plains in search of bivalve molluscs, crabs and other invertebrates. It is a maternal mouthbrooder.
Sexing
External sexing is not strongly marked in this species. Brooding females are recorded at roughly 14.8 to 19.0 cm SL, indicating the fish must reach a substantial size before it will spawn.
Conditioning
Given its natural diet of molluscs, crustaceans and other invertebrates picked from crevices, breeders are conditioned on varied meaty invertebrate foods. Its large adult size demands a spacious tank to bring fish into condition.
Breeding Setup
A large aquarium with substantial rockwork reflecting its rocky habitat is required, given the adult size. Maintain hard alkaline water reported at pH 7.5-8.5, hardness 13-17 dH and a temperature of about 24-27 C.
Egg & Fry Care
As a maternal mouthbrooder, the female incubates the eggs and larvae orally; larvae of up to about 2.03 cm TL are mouthbrooded by females. The mother carries and protects the developing young until they are released as free-swimming fry.
Common Challenges
The main obstacles are the species' large adult size and the consequent need for a very large, rock-furnished tank with stable hard, alkaline water. Mature, well-conditioned females of adequate size are needed before spawning can be expected.