Spathodus erythrodon Care Guide
Spathodus erythrodon is a small surge-zone goby cichlid endemic to Lake Tanganyika, grazing biocover from rocks in very shallow water.
Overview
Spathodus erythrodon is a cichlid of the family Cichlidae described by Boulenger in 1900. It is endemic to Lake Tanganyika, where it inhabits the shallow surge zone over rubble and pebble substrates, usually in water less than about 0.3 m deep. Adults reach roughly 8.5 cm in total length.
Taxonomy
- Family: Cichlidae
- Genus: Spathodus
- Scientific name: Spathodus erythrodon
- Described by: Boulenger, 1900
Habitat
The species is endemic to Lake Tanganyika and is absent from the southern end of the lake. It favours the wave-washed shoreline over rubble and pebble bottoms, typically at depths of less than a foot, where it grazes the algal and microorganism film covering the rocks.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 150 L
- Temperature: 24-27 °C (75-81 °F)
- pH: 8.5-9.2
- GH: 12-25 °dGH
- Water flow: high
- Lifespan: 5-8 years
Diet
Spathodus erythrodon is a grazer that feeds by picking microorganisms and algae from the rock biocover. In the aquarium it accepts vegetable-based prepared foods and benefits from a setup with mature, algae-covered rockwork that mimics its natural aufwuchs grazing.
Compatibility
This bottom-dwelling species is semi-aggressive and territorial within the surge zone. It is best kept with other Tanganyika fish that occupy different niches, such as open-water Cyprichromis, and away from boisterous rock-dwelling groups such as Mbuna and Tropheus.
Breeding
According to FishBase, the female is a mouthbrooder, but the male takes over care of the young as soon as they are released from the female's mouth, an unusual pattern of post-release paternal care.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Least Concern. The species is also recorded in commercial fisheries and the aquarium trade.