Edit Xenotilapia sima
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Name
Scientific name
Xenotilapia sima
Described by
Not recorded
Family
Cichlidae
Common names
Big-Eyed Xenotilapia
Photograph credits
All 1 credited
Summary
The big-eyed xenotilapia, Xenotilapia sima, is a cichlid endemic to Lake Tanganyika, where it is found in large groups over sandy substrate…
Size and aquarium
Maximum size
165mm, standard length
Aquarium size
Minimum length 120 cm, Minimum depth 38 cm, Minimum height 30 cm
Water
Water conditions
Temperature 23–27°C, pH 8–9.5
Hardness
8–25dGH
Conductivity
Not recorded
Behaviour
Temperament
Peaceful
Social needs
A shoal or group
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.
Habitat
It is found in large groups over sandy substrates.
Aquarium size
120 ∗ 38 ∗ 30 cm - ~137 litres.
Maintenance
The tank should have plenty of open floor space, with a substrate of sand to allow the fish to exhibit their natural behaviour. Gravel can become trapped in th…
Water conditions
Temperature: 23 – 27 °C pH: 8.0-9.5 Hardness: 8-25°H
Diet
In nature it is a micropredator, feeding chiefly on small invertebrates it finds by "sifting" mouthfuls of sand. In the aquarium it will accept most foods offe…
Behaviour and compatibility
A peaceful and skittish species that will not compete well with more boisterous or vigorous fish. Do not keep it with mbuna. Good tankmates include some of the…
Sexual dimorphism
Male fish are larger than females and have pointed dorsal and anal fins. They are also usually darker in colour.
Reproduction
Not often bred in aquaria. Maternal mouthbrooder. The aquarium should be around 48" and set up as suggested above. It is advisable to purchase a group of young…
Notes
A rarely seen species in the hobby, X. sima is nevertheless a charming species for the peaceful Tanganyikan community. It feeds in a similar way to the well-kn…
References
References
No references