Cynotilapia afra

Common Names:

Afra

Synonyms:

Hemichromis afer
Paratilapia afra

Family:

Cichlidae

Category:

Cichlids

Distribution:

Africa; Lake Malawi, Africa.

Main Ecosystem:

Rift Lake; Rift Lake

Temperament:

Territorial; Very territorial.

Diet:

Ominvore; Ominvore

Care:

Feed live and frozen brine shrimp and vegetable-based flake foods. Many caves and hiding places among rocks and pieces of slate are essential. The aquarium should be broken up into specific territories if more than one male is to be kept. Fine gravel or sand is required as the Afra will dig. Hard water with a high pH is essential.

pH:

8 - 8.5

Temperature:

23°C - 28°C

73°F - 82°F

Hardness:

10 dH - 20 dH

Potential Size:

Male: 10cm (3.9")
Female: 10cm (3.9")

Water Region:

All; All

Activity:

Diurnal; Diurnal

Gender:

Males are vivid turquiose with verticle black bands and yellow egg spots on the anal fin, while females are darker with no bands or egg spots.

Breeding:

Keep a ratio of one male to three females. Many caves made from rocks are needed. The female is a mouth-brooder and cares for the young. The male should be removed after spawning.

Variants:

Comments:

Albino variety also available. Sometimes confused with the Zebra Cichlid.

Main Colours:

Blue, Black

Markings:

Striped Vertical

Mouth:

Normal

Tail:

Convex

Search: