Xenotilapia papilio Care Guide
Xenotilapia papilio is a small Lake Tanganyika cichlid of deeper sand-covered rock, where pairs defend territories and both parents mouthbrood.
Compiled by Aquairi from published sources · Published · Updated
Overview
Xenotilapia papilio is a small cichlid of the family Cichlidae, endemic to Lake Tanganyika. It is found on the western shore between Tembwe (Deux) and Kanoni in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, on deeper rocky habitats where the rocks are covered with sand. It grows no longer than about 10 cm in total length.
Taxonomy
- Family: Cichlidae
- Genus: Xenotilapia
- Scientific name: Xenotilapia papilio
Habitat
The species occupies deeper rocky habitats over a depth range of about 3 to 40 m, especially where the rocks are covered with a layer of sand. Subadults gather in small groups, while larger individuals form pairs that defend rock territories.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 300 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 papilio feeds on invertebrates extracted from sediment by gill-sifting. Reported stomach contents include copepods, ostracods and insect larvae, along with filamentous algae and sand. In the aquarium it accepts small frozen and prepared foods over a sandy bottom.
Compatibility
This peaceful, territorial species is best kept in groups of six or more, allowing pairs to form. It suits company such as open-water Cyprichromis and other Xenotilapia, and should be kept away from aggressive Mbuna and Tropheus.
Breeding
Both parents are mouthbrooders and show territorial behaviour during breeding. The species does not display obvious sexual dimorphism, although ripe females show a more rounded belly.
Xenotilapia papilio Breeding Guide
Overview
Xenotilapia papilio is a small, colourful cichlid endemic to the western shore of Lake Tanganyika between Tembwe and Kanoni in the Democratic Republic of the Congo, growing no longer than 10 cm (3.9 in) TL (Wikipedia). It favours deeper rocky habitats, especially where rocks are covered with sand, at depths of 3-40 m, and is a bi-parental mouthbrooder in which both parents incubate the brood (Wikipedia; peer-reviewed study of Xenotilapia parental care).
Sexing
Visible sexual differences are minimal. Only ripe females - those with fully mature eggs ready to be fertilised - show a more rounded belly (Wikipedia). Subadults occur in small groups, with larger individuals forming pairs that defend a territory on the upper face of a large rock (Wikipedia).
Conditioning
In the wild the diet comprises invertebrates extracted from sediment by filtering it through the gills, with documented stomach contents including copepods, ostracods and insect larvae alongside filamentous algae and sand (Wikipedia). Condition breeders accordingly on small invertebrate-based foods.
Breeding Setup
Provide a sandy substrate with rockwork, since the species pairs and defends a territory on the upper face of a large rock (Wikipedia). Keeping a group lets compatible pairs establish, matching the natural pattern of subadults living in small groups.
Spawning Behavior & Trigger
Both parents are mouthbrooders, sharing the brood (Wikipedia). Spawning is associated with the defended rock-and-sand territory held by the pair.
Egg & Fry Care
As a biparental mouthbrooder, both parents take part in incubating and protecting the brood (Wikipedia). Note: precise clutch numbers and brooding durations specific to X. papilio were not confirmed in a whitelisted source, so the shared-incubation detail is presented at the level of biparental Xenotilapia.
Common Challenges
Listed as an advanced species, X. papilio is demanding to keep and breed. Establishing a stable, territorial pair on suitable rock-over-sand substrate is the key practical requirement.