Xenotilapia flavipinnis Care Guide
Xenotilapia flavipinnis is a slim sand-dwelling Lake Tanganyika cichlid that forms schools over sandy bottoms and broods its young in the mouth.
Overview
Xenotilapia flavipinnis is a cichlid of the family Cichlidae described by Poll in 1985. It is endemic to Lake Tanganyika, where it is found in schools over sandy substrates. FishBase records a maximum total length of about 9.2 cm.
Taxonomy
- Family: Cichlidae
- Genus: Xenotilapia
- Scientific name: Xenotilapia flavipinnis
- Described by: Poll, 1985
Habitat
The species is endemic to Lake Tanganyika and occurs over sandy bottoms, where it forms schools. It is a fish of open sand flats rather than the rocky habitats favoured by many other Tanganyika cichlids.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 350 L
- Temperature: 24-27 °C (75-81 °F)
- pH: 8.5-9.2 (FishBase records 8.0-9.0)
- GH: 12-25 °dGH
- Group size: 6 or more individuals
- Lifespan: 6-10 years
Diet
Xenotilapia flavipinnis is a carnivore that feeds on small invertebrates taken from the sand. A fine, deep sand bed lets the fish sift the substrate; small frozen and prepared foods suit it in captivity.
Compatibility
It is a peaceful, schooling bottom-dweller best kept in groups of six or more. It mixes well with open-water Cyprichromis, larger Cyphotilapia and other Xenotilapia, while aggressive Mbuna and Tropheus should be avoided.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Least Concern. The species is recorded in commercial fisheries and the aquarium trade.