Otopharynx tetraspilus
 

81°F
Explanation of the symbols

73°F

Family : Cichlidae
Origin : Lake Malawi
Length : 15 cm - 6"
Min. length aquarium : 150 cm - 60"
Rather peaceful fish that can be kept in a group if your aquarium is large enough.  You can keep the together with other peaceful cichlids from lake Malawi.  The aquarium should be set up on the sides and background with a lot of rocks that form caves and crevices.  In their natural habitat they mainly feed on algae, so you better don't use soft plants for decoration.  The substrate should be sandy.  In the middle you should leave enough free swimming space. 

They are omnivorous, so you should give them a great variety of live, frozen and dry food.  A large part of the food should be vegetable.

Breeding is rather easy.  In a small pit up to 40 eggs are laid.  Immediately after that the female takes the eggs in her mouth.  They are fertilized by the male using the dummy egg method.  After 3 week the relative large young leave the mouth of the mother.  You can raise them with baby brine shrimp and fine crushed dry food.

Photo Credit

Hans Meulblok


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