Spathodus sp. 'erythrodon kitumba' Kitumba

Paracyprichromis nigripinnis 'Kitumba'.jpg

Spathodus sp. 'erythrodon kitumba' Kitumba.jpg

Spathodus sp. 'erythrodon kitumba' Kitumba

Tribe / Genus:	Eretmodini / Spathodus
Geographic distribution:	Currently known only from the Kitumba area in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.
Typical adult size:	Males reach close to 10 cm in total length. Females remain slightly smaller.
Sexual dimorphism:	Males grow larger than females and show more pronounced territorial behaviour, particularly toward other males.
Recommended aquarium size:	A large aquarium is required to accommodate territorial behaviour, especially when keeping more than a single pair.
Aquarium setup:	Best maintained in spacious aquaria comparable to those used for other goby cichlids, allowing the establishment of territories and reducing conflict between males.
Diet:	Omnivorous aufwuchs feeder. Feeds on algae and small invertebrates living within the aufwuchs. Dentition and feeding strategy are intermediate between algae-scraping Eretmodus and invertebrate-picking Tanganicodus.
Breeding:	Mouthbrooder with biparental incubation.
Aggression:	Males are highly territorial toward conspecific males. Aggression toward other species is generally low, but territorial defence increases markedly during spawning.
Special notes:	This taxon is frequently confused with Tanganicodus irsacae due to the often-present black spot in the dorsal fin. Nevertheless, it shows the typical characteristics of Spathodus, including a broader snout and broader teeth, which clearly distinguish it from Tanganicodus.