Giant Tanganyika Cichlid (Boulengerochromis microlepis)
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Giant Tanganyika Cichlid
Giant Tanganyika Cichlid
Boulengerochromis microlepis
946 Litres (250 US G.)
60-90 cm (23.6-35.4")
Freshwater
8.0 - 9.0
24 -26 °C (75.2-78.8°F)
8-12 °d
1:1 M:F
5-10 years
Family
Cichlidae
Contents
Additional names
- Giant Tanganyika Cichlid, Giant Cichlid
Additional scientific names
- Tilapia microlepis, Paratilapia microlepis
Origin[edit]
- Endemic to Lake Tanganyika.
Sexing[edit]
- Mature females are significantly smaller than males.
Tank compatibility[edit]
- Due to this fish's size it's best either kept in pairs or singly in species tanks. It can occasionally be combined with other large-growing Tanganyikan Cichlids. Large peaceful yet robust bottom-dwellers may also work.
Diet[edit]
- Should accept most meaty foods including high quality Cichlid pellets, as well as shrimp, earthworms and silversides.
Feeding regime[edit]
- Feed once or twice a day.
Environment specifics[edit]
- Requires hard alkaline with a pH 8.0 or above. Tank décor is not important as long as it's sturdy and a sand substrate is preferred. Needs a substantial amount of swimming space.
Behaviour[edit]
- A generally peaceful fish to those of similar size, but will eat smaller fish. They are increasingly territorial to their own species as they mature.
Identification[edit]
- Said to be one of the largest African Cichlids in existence. The body is long with a yellow-green base colour, with faint vertical dark green lines running down from the dorsal fin, these get darker as the fish ages. The head is speckled with blue spots.
Pictures[edit]
Video[edit]
| Juveniles: | |
External links[edit]
- Fishbase (Mirrors: Error creating thumbnail: Unable to save thumbnail to destination)
