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Sand Cichlid

Xenotilapia bathyphila

Freshwater Lake Tanganyika, Africa

Xenotilapia bathyphila is an enchanting, deep-water sand cichlid from Lake Tanganyika with huge reflective eyes and delicate pearl-blue sheen. Highly sensitive and skittish, it needs vast expanses of fine sand and subdued lighting. Sudden movements easily cause it to crash into aquarium walls, requiring quiet surroundings and very stable water.

9.5 cm adult length, drawn to scale. slim body.

Try it in the planner Opens a tank sized to its minimum with 6 fish added.

What it needs

ItemValueBecause
Adult length 9.5 cm Used for the Space check: the tank must be long enough for the fish to turn round.
Smallest tank 250 L, at least 120 cm long estimated The least water and floor length this species is kept in for good, as a single fish or smallest group.
Extra water per added fish 25 L estimated What each further fish adds once the minimum is met.
Waste load Class 2 of 5 estimated How much waste an adult makes against its size. Feeds the Load check.
Temperature 24 to 27 C Stock sharing a tank need overlapping ranges.
pH 7.8 to 9 Compared with tankmates in the Water check.
Hardness GH 10 to 20, KH 8 to 15 Degrees of general and carbonate hardness.
Flow Medium Low-flow fish are stressed in a strong current.
Light Dim Matched to the lighting class on the needs sheet.
Group size At least 6, ideally 8 Kept alone or in small numbers it hides, fades or turns on tankmates.
Temperament Peaceful Territorial: weak.
Swims in Near the bottom Fish that use different levels share a tank more easily.
Lifespan About 6 years A fish is a long commitment.
Experience Experienced keepers only A guide to how forgiving the species is of mistakes.
Jumps Yes Keep the tank covered.

Tags marked estimated are judged from the size and habits of the species rather than measured, so treat them as a sensible default.

Diet and tank layout

Sand Cichlid is an carnivore that swims in the lowest part of the tank. It is safe with plants. Give it some cover. It digs, so anchor plants and keep hard rock off loose sand.

Tankmates

Works with

No close matches in the data. Check the pair tool.

Depends

Avoid

Compare any two fish on the compatibility page, or print the equipment for a stock on the needs sheet. How this is worked out: the method.