Description:

Otopharynx tetrastigma Cichlid – (No Online Purchases)

Scientific Name

• Otopharynx tetrastigma

The Otopharynx tetrastigma is native to Lake Malawi, Lake Malombe, and the Upper Shire River in Africa. It’s a popular choice for aquarists due to its vibrant colors and engaging behavior.

Appearance and Characteristics:

• Size: Males can reach up to 16 cm (around 6 inches) in total length.
• Coloration: They typically have a predominantly gray body with striking iridescent blue-green scales and orange accents, especially prominent on the dorsal fin. Males are generally more vibrant in color than females, especially during breeding.
• Body Shape: They have a fusiform (spindle-shaped) or normal body shape.
• Behavior: Otopharynx tetrastigma are considered relatively peaceful compared to many other African cichlids. They are active swimmers and known for their curious disposition. While generally peaceful, they can exhibit territorial behavior, particularly during breeding. They don’t typically school but prefer small groups or pairs.
• Unique Trait: They are known for their “sand-sifting” or “sand-hopping” behavior, where they ingest sand to sift out food particles.

Habitat and Diet:

• Natural Habitat: In the wild, they are found in shallow, vegetated areas of Lake Malawi and its associated waterways, with sandy bottoms and often rock formations and aquatic plants like Vallisneria and Ceratophyllum.
• Diet in the Wild: They are omnivores, feeding on invertebrates such as insect larvae and small crustaceans found in their weedy environment. They also ingest sand to separate edible parts.
• Diet in the Aquarium: A varied and balanced diet is crucial.
  • Staple: High-quality cichlid pellets or flakes with both protein and vegetable content (e.g., spirulina-based foods).
  • Treats: Frozen or live foods like brine shrimp, mysis shrimp, daphnia, krill, cyclops, shrimp mix, mussels, sprats, and smelt.
  • Vegetables: Blanched vegetables such as spinach or zucchini can mimic their herbivorous tendencies.
  • Feeding Frequency: Small amounts 2-3 times daily are recommended to prevent overfeeding and maintain water quality.

Aquarium Care:

• Tank Size: A minimum of 280-300 liters (75-80 gallons) is recommended for a small group of 5-7 adults. Larger tanks are ideal for mixed-species setups.
• Substrate: Use a fine sandy substrate to replicate their natural environment and allow for their natural digging and sifting behavior.
• Decor: Include plenty of rock formations and caves to provide hiding spots and territorial boundaries. Also, add dense vegetation using hardy plants like Anubias, Java Fern, or Vallisneria, which can be attached to rocks or decorations as they might uproot rooted plants.
• Water Parameters:
  • Temperature: 24-28C (76-82F)
  • pH: 7.88.6 (alkaline)
  • General Hardness (GH): 10-20 dGH
  • Carbonate Hardness (KH): 8-12 dKH
• Filtration: Strong filtration and regular water changes are essential to maintain pristine water quality, as they are sensitive to poor water conditions.
• Tank Mates: They are relatively peaceful and can coexist well with other mild-mannered cichlids from Lake Malawi, such as Peacock Cichlids (Aulonocara) and other Haplochromis species. Non-cichlid species like Synodontis catfish can also be good companions. Avoid overly aggressive Mbuna cichlids, as they may harass the Otopharynx tetrastigma. Heavy stocking in a large tank can sometimes help reduce aggression among cichlids.

Breeding:

• Otopharynx tetrastigma are maternal mouthbrooders, meaning the female carries the fertilized eggs and fry in her mouth until they are ready to be released.
• To encourage breeding, provide a spacious tank with flat rocks for courtship.
• The female will carry the eggs for approximately 3 weeks.
• Once the fry are released, they can be fed with finely crushed flake food or baby brine shrimp. If you want to raise a larger number of fry, consider setting up a separate breeding tank for the female.

Maximum Size

• 16cm