Edit Ophthalmotilapia ventralis
You can suggest changes to this profile. A moderator will review each change.
Name
Scientific name
Ophthalmotilapia ventralis
Described by
Not recorded
Family
Cichlidae
Common names
Not recorded
Photograph credits
All 1 credited
Summary
Ophthalmotilapia ventralis is a mouthbrooding cichlid endemic to Lake Tanganyika, found around most of the lake's coastline. It exists in w…
Size and aquarium
Maximum size
150mm, standard length
Aquarium size
Minimum length 135 cm, Minimum depth 45 cm, Minimum height 38 cm
Water
Water conditions
Temperature 23–27°C, pH 7.5–9
Hardness
8–25dGH
Conductivity
Not recorded
Behaviour
Temperament
Territorial
Social needs
One male with several females
Community suitability
Not recorded
Where it lives
Countries, regions, rivers and lakes
DR Congo, Tanzania, Zambia, Lake Tanganyika
Writing
Etymology
Not written yet
Distribution
Endemic to Lake Tanganyika. It has a wide distribution around the majority of the lake's coastlines, being absent only between Cape Tembwe on the western side …
Habitat
This species inhabits the rocky shorelines in shallow water, usually at depths of less than 5 metres. It can be seen just off the rock slopes feeding on plankt…
Aquarium size
135 ∗ 45 ∗ 38 cm - ~231 litres.
Maintenance
The aquarium should contain scattered piles of rocks, arranged to form caves for with large areas of open water as O. ventralis requires a lot of space for its…
Water conditions
Temperature: 23 – 27 °C pH: 7.5-9.0 Hardness: 8-25°H
Diet
Will accept most foods but high protein varieties should be avoided. Ensure the fish receive some vegetable matter as part of the diet, such as blanched spinac…
Behaviour and compatibility
Relatively peaceful but territorial when spawning. It should be the dominant species in the tank or it will become withdrawn and male fish will lose colour. It…
Sexual dimorphism
Male fish are larger and more colourful with longer fins than females, particularly the ventral fins.
Reproduction
Possible. Maternal mouthbrooder. A large tank, furnished as suggested above is ideal. Large areas of sandy substrate are particularly essential. The fish shoul…
Notes
This is a truly stunning species that does well in a Tanganyikan community with well-chosen tankmates. It exists in well over 20 colour morphs, too many to lis…
References
References
No references