Xenotilapia ochrogenys Care Guide
Xenotilapia ochrogenys is a sand-dwelling Lake Tanganyika cichlid that forms groups over sandy bottoms and broods its young in the mouth.
Overview
Xenotilapia ochrogenys is a cichlid of the family Cichlidae described by Boulenger in 1914. It is endemic to Lake Tanganyika, where it prefers areas with sandy substrates. FishBase records a maximum total length of about 11 cm.
Taxonomy
- Family: Cichlidae
- Genus: Xenotilapia
- Scientific name: Xenotilapia ochrogenys
- Described by: Boulenger, 1914
Habitat
The species is endemic to Lake Tanganyika, occurring roughly between 3°S and 9°S. It lives over open sandy bottoms in the lake's sandy bays and shallow zones, where it sifts the substrate for food.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 350 L
- Temperature: 24-27 °C (75-81 °F)
- pH: 8.5-9.2
- GH: 12-25 °dGH
- Group size: 6 or more individuals
- Lifespan: 6-10 years
Diet
Xenotilapia ochrogenys is a carnivore that takes small invertebrates from the sand. A deep sand bed allows it to sift the substrate naturally; in the aquarium it accepts small frozen and prepared foods offered near the bottom.
Compatibility
This is a peaceful, bottom-oriented group fish best kept in shoals of six or more. Suitable companions include open-water Cyprichromis and larger species such as Cyphotilapia, as well as other Xenotilapia. Aggressive rock-dwellers such as Mbuna and Tropheus should be avoided.
Breeding
According to FishBase, the species is a mouthbrooder in which the female broods the eggs and larvae in her mouth, with larvae carried up to about 1.2 cm before release.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Least Concern. The species is recorded in commercial fisheries and the aquarium trade.