Xenotilapia

The yellow sand cichlid, Xenotilapia flavipinnis, is a bi-parental mouthbrooder endemic to Lake Tanganyika, where groups swim over sandy substrates. In nature the pair bond lasts only for the breeding season. In aquaria it can last much longer, with the pair remaining in their territory and defending it even when not spawning. A gentle substrate-sifter, it needs sand, a group of 6-10 and peaceful Tanganyikan tankmates, and it is very sensitive to deteriorating water conditions.

The black-chinned xenotilapia, Xenotilapia melanogenys, is a cichlid endemic to Lake Tanganyika, where it lives in huge shoals over sandy substrates. Much of the literature still places it in the genus Enatiopus. The shoals in nature appear to be fixed, with an individual remaining in the same group for life. A skittish fish, it may react very nervously to rapid movements outside the tank and should not be kept with boisterous fish such as mbuna.

The big-eyed xenotilapia, Xenotilapia sima, is a cichlid endemic to Lake Tanganyika, where it is found in large groups over sandy substrates. Rarely seen in the hobby, it feeds like the South American Geophagus species, sifting sand through its gills for invertebrates, so a sand substrate is essential. A peaceful and skittish maternal mouthbrooder, it should be kept in a group of 6-10 with peaceful Tanganyikan species and never with mbuna.