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Lake Tanganyika cichlids — species, locations & maps

Lake Tanganyika cichlids — species, locations & maps
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Xenotilapia bathyphilus 'Gombe NP'.jpg Xenotilapia boulengeri 'Gombe NP'.jpg Xenotilapia caudafasciata 'Gombe NP'.jpg Xenotilapia nasus 'Gombe NP'.jpg
Previous pageNext pageXenotilapia caudafasciata 'Gombe NP'
Tribe / Genus: Ectodini / Xenotilapia
Type locality: Moba Bay, south of Mtoto, Lake Tanganyika, Democratic Republic of Congo
Biotope: Sandy and muddy bottoms in the open sandy habitat of Lake Tanganyika. Most commonly found at depths of 50–75 m, with records down to 100 m. Rarely encountered shallower than 35 m, except near river outlets.
Geographic distribution: Endemic to Lake Tanganyika with a lake-wide distribution, recorded from the Congolese, Tanzanian, Burundian, and Zambian shores.
Typical adult size: The only species of Xenotilapia in which females grow larger than males. Males average around 10.5 cm SL (maximum about 13.6 cm), while females average around 12 cm SL and may reach up to 15.6 cm.
Sexual dimorphism: Females are larger and generally silvery with a faint bluish hue in the dorsal fin. Males display horizontal brownish lines along the flanks, black bars on the caudal fin, and black margins on the dorsal, anal and ventral fins. Sexually active males develop a pitch-black throat.
Recommended aquarium size: At least 400 liters, with a minimum aquarium length of about 150 cm for long-term maintenance.
Aquarium setup: Fine sand substrate is essential. Smooth rocks should be placed mainly in the background to provide shelter, ensuring that no sharp edges are present due to the species’ large and fragile eyes. Open swimming space is important, as this species spends much of its time in mid-water.
Diet: Carnivorous. Feeds mainly on invertebrates, especially chironomid larvae, as well as ostracods, diatoms, and other small benthic organisms. Feeding involves rapid thrusts into the substrate, lifting mouthfuls of sand that are filtered for edible items before non-edible material is expelled through the mouth and gills.
Breeding: Maternal mouthbrooder. Males do not construct sand-scrape spawning sites and attempt to spawn at random locations. Courtship is intense and continuous, involving vigorous displays with spread fins and rapid lip movements. Females lay cream-colored, slightly oval eggs of about 3 mm, usually fewer than 40 per clutch. Females incubate eggs and larvae for approximately three weeks and provide no post-release brood care.
Aggression: Generally peaceful toward other species. Males encourage displays and mild competition, but overall aggression levels are relatively low compared to many other Xenotilapia.
Special notes: Unique within the genus in having females larger than males and a distinct dentition, with outer teeth oriented vertically rather than horizontally. This dental specialization is associated with a different feeding strategy compared to other Xenotilapia species.
Although its dentition once raised doubts about its generic placement, both morphological and molecular studies confirm that its closest relatives lie within Xenotilapia.

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Photo: © Evert van Ammelrooy
Photo: © Evert van Ammelrooy
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Lake Tanganyika cichlids — species, locations & maps.
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