Lake Tanganyika cichlids — species, locations & maps

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Cyathopharynx sp. 'blue flush' Maleza (Mamalesa) Island.jpg Cyathopharynx sp. 'blue flush' Mikongolo Island.jpg Cyathopharynx sp. 'blue flush' Wampembe.jpg
Previous pageCyathopharynx sp. 'blue flush' Wampembe<br><font color=gray>Cyathopharynx foae 'Wampembe'</font>
Tribe / Genus: Ectodini / Cyathopharynx
Biotope: Intermediate habitat close to rocky areas; typically found at depths between 5 and 25 m.
Geographic distribution: Restricted to a very small area in southern Tanzania, known only between Wampembe and the Maleza Hill area.
Typical adult size: Males up to ~22 cm TL; females considerably smaller, usually 12–15 cm TL.
Sexual dimorphism: Males are significantly larger than females and develop longer, more ornate fins, especially elongated pelvic fins that may extend well beyond the anal fin.
Recommended aquarium size: Minimum 500 L; substantially larger aquaria (≈1000 L) recommended for more natural behaviour.
Aquarium setup: A demanding species requiring very stable, high-quality water. A large area of fine sand is essential to allow males to construct their characteristic bower-like nests. Rocks are optional but may help define territories. The species should be the dominant cichlid in the aquarium and must not be kept with aggressive or fin-nipping species (e.g. Tropheus). Suitable companions are peaceful sand-dwelling Tanganyikan cichlids from the tribes Ectodini, Eretmodini, and Cyprichromini. Lighting should not be strictly vertical; slight lateral or diffuse light enhances coloration in displaying males.
Diet: Herbivorous. In nature feeds primarily on diatoms and unicellular algae from the aufwuchs. In the aquarium, a diet rich in plant-based foods is essential due to the very long and sensitive digestive tract.
Breeding: Maternal mouthbrooder. Males construct large volcano-shaped sand bowers, sometimes on top of flat rocks. Spawning occurs within the bower. Females may mate with multiple males by visiting several bowers. Clutch size typically ranges from 40 to 50 fry.
Aggression: Males can be quite aggressive when defending their territory and bower, especially during the breeding period.
Special notes: Cyathopharynx sp. 'Blue Flush' represents one of several dark Cyathopharynx forms traditionally grouped under Cyathopharynx foae by some authors. The original species Ectodus foae (Vaillant, 1899) lacks a defined type locality and is considered a species inquirenda, making the application of the name uncertain. Based on distributional data, this form is regarded as a distinct, geographically restricted entity with the smallest known range among the dark Cyathopharynx forms.

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Photo: © African Diving Ltd
Photo: © Tautvydas Pangonis
Photo: © Tautvydas Pangonis
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