Freshwater
Xenotilapia melanogenys
Cichlidae, Pseudocrenilabrinae
Facts
Characteristics
- Length
- Up to 15 cm
- Body shape
- Streamlined
Care
- Group
- Missing
- Smallest aquarium
- 88 liters
- Diet
- Missing
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Behavior
Water values
Smallest tank
Range
More about the species
Description
Common, sand-dwelling cichlid which forages in large schools over the sandy substrate; maximum depth is 40 metres, but during breeding period they are found in much shallower water. Very abundant; copepods, ostracods and shrimps have been found in the stomach. Breeds in colonies (lek breeder); polygamous maternal mouthbrooder.
Other names
Other scientific names
- Ectodus longianalis
- Ectodus melanogenys
- Enantiopus longianalis
- Enantiopus melanogenis
- Enantiopus melanogenys
In other languages
- Kirjohiekkahautoja
Articles
All articles
How to set up an African aquarium5 min read
Two completely different aquariums: forest rivers with soft, brown water, roots and leaves, and Rift Valley lake cichlids in hard, alkaline water with big rock piles.
How to add new fish4 min read
From the store to the tank: how to get the fish used to your water, why you should add only a few at a time, and what to watch for in the first few days.
Quarantine for new fish3 min read
Why new fish should live in a tank of their own for a few weeks before they move in, what you need, and what to look for.
Ich (white spot)4 min read
The most common disease in aquarium fish. How to recognize it, why it shows up, and how to get rid of it.