Lake Tanganyika cichlids — species, locations & maps

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Altolamprologus compressiceps 'Karilani Island'.jpg Chalinochromis sp. 'ndobhoi' Karilani Island.jpg Cyathopharynx sp. 'furcifer north' Karilani Island.jpg Cyathopharynx sp. 'green flush' Karilani Island.jpg Cyphotilapia frontosa 'Karilani Island'.jpg
Previous pageNext pageCyathopharynx sp. 'furcifer north' Karilani Island
Tribe / Genus: Ectodini / Cyathopharynx
Biotope: Intermediate habitat close to rocky areas. Found at depths between approximately 5 and 25 m, where males establish lek-breeding territories on sandy substrate.
Geographic distribution: Northern Lake Tanganyika. Occurs from the Karago area northwards to the Kigoma region and further north into Burundi, reaching at least the Ruziba area. According to current knowledge, this is the only Cyathopharynx species occurring north of Kigoma, probably north of the Malagarasi River.
Typical adult size: Males up to about 22 cm total length; females significantly smaller, usually around 12–15 cm.
Sexual dimorphism: Strongly pronounced. Males are larger and develop elongated fins, especially the pelvic fins. Females and non-territorial individuals are more uniformly silvery.
Recommended aquarium size: Minimum 500 L. Aquaria of 1000 L or more are required to allow the establishment of multiple male territories and natural lek behaviour.
Aquarium setup: A demanding species requiring excellent water quality and careful acclimatization. A deep layer of fine sand is essential for nest construction. Rocks are optional but may help define territories. Best kept as the dominant species in the aquarium together with peaceful Tanganyikan sand- or open-water cichlids. Aggressive or fin-nipping species must be avoided. Slightly lateral or indirect lighting enhances male coloration.
Diet: Herbivorous. Feeds mainly on diatoms and unicellular algae from the aufwuchs. Possesses a very long intestine typical of plant-eating Tanganyikan cichlids.
Breeding: Maternal mouthbrooder. Males form lek-breeding arenas and construct large, volcano-shaped sand nests. Females may spawn with multiple males during a breeding period. Typical brood size is about 40–50 fry.
Aggression: Territorial males can be quite aggressive when defending nesting sites, particularly towards other males.
Special notes: Cyathopharynx sp. 'furcifer north' represents a distinct, undescribed Cyathopharynx species occurring in the northern part of Lake Tanganyika. It is clearly separated geographically from C. furcifer. Populations show some variation in the amount of yellow in the unpaired fins and in the presence or size of a brown patch on the head, but all known populations north of Karago share the presence of yellow coloration in the unpaired fins. African Diving previously referred to this species as C. sp. 'Furcifer Kigoma', but the name 'furcifer north' is preferred due to its wider distribution, including Burundi.

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Photo: © Adrian Indermaur
Photo: © Adrian Indermaur
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Lake Tanganyika cichlids — species, locations & maps.
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