Edit Xenotilapia melanogenys
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Name
Scientific name
Xenotilapia melanogenys
Described by
Not recorded
Family
Cichlidae
Common names
Black-Chinned Xenotilapia
Photograph credits
Not recorded
Summary
The black-chinned xenotilapia, Xenotilapia melanogenys, is a cichlid endemic to Lake Tanganyika, where it lives in huge shoals over sandy s…
Size and aquarium
Maximum size
160mm, standard length
Aquarium size
Minimum length 120 cm, Minimum depth 38 cm, Minimum height 30 cm
Water
Water conditions
Temperature 24–27°C, pH 7.5–9
Hardness
10–25dGH
Conductivity
Not recorded
Behaviour
Temperament
Peaceful
Social needs
Not recorded
Community suitability
Not recorded
Where it lives
Countries, regions, rivers and lakes
Burundi, DR Congo, Tanzania, Zambia, Lake Tanganyika
Writing
Etymology
Not written yet
Distribution
Endemic to Lake Tanganyika. It is widespread throughout the lake where it is found in huge shoals over sandy substrates. It is usually found in relatively deep…
Habitat
Endemic to Lake Tanganyika. It is widespread throughout the lake where it is found in huge shoals over sandy substrates. It is usually found in relatively deep…
Aquarium size
120 ∗ 38 ∗ 30 cm - ~137 litres.
Maintenance
The aquarium should contain piles of rocks arranged to form caves with large areas of open water between them. A sandy substrate is essential. The fish seem to…
Water conditions
Temperature: 24 – 27 °C pH: 7.5-9.0 Hardness: 10-25 dH
Diet
X. melanogenys will accept most foods offered but live and frozen varieties should form the bulk of the diet. It feeds almost entirely from the substrate so en…
Behaviour and compatibility
A peaceful and skittish species that should not be housed with boisterous fish such as Mbuna. Good tankmates include Cyprichromis, Cyathopharynx, Julidochromis…
Sexual dimorphism
Male fish are larger and have longer dorsal and anal fins than females. When inbreeding dress the male becomes far more colourful.
Reproduction
Possible. Polygamous maternal mouthbrooder. It is preferable to buy a group of young fish and grow them on for breeding purposes, as this species is sexually v…
Notes
This fish feeds in a similar way to Geophagus species in that it will sift sand through its gills to extract invertebrates and morsels hidden in the substrate.…
References
References
No references