Otopharynx lithobates
| Common Names: | Sulphur Crested Lithobate |
| Synonyms: | Cyrtocara lithobates |
| Family: | Cichlidae |
| Category: | Cichlids |
| Distribution: | Africa; Endemic to Lake Malawi |
| Main Ecosystem: | Rift Lake; Lake Malawi |
| Temperament: | Aggressive; Aggressive |
| Diet: | Ominvore; Ominvore |
| Care: | Same requirements as for all rift lake cichlids. Not overly aggressive compared to most other rift lake cichlids. Will not eat plants. Can be kept in community type aquariums with other fish that are somewhat aggressive. Sand substrate is recommended. Females are more reclusive, with males having territories. |
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| Potential Size: | Male: 16cm (6.3") Female: 16cm (6.3") |
| Water Region: | All; All |
| Activity: | Diurnal; Diurnal |
| Gender: | Males are very brightly and beautifully colored, sporting deep blue coloring on their head and parts of their bodies. With a white or yellow/gold dorsal fin, and a white or gold coloring down their foreheads. The body color varies depending on what part of the lake the fish comes from, as does the gold/yellow/white differences on the dorsal and forehead. While the females are mostly brown and drab in comparison. |
| Breeding: | A common mouthbrooder. The male makes a spawning site, by creating a crater in the substrate. The male and female encircle each other, where as the female lays her eggs, and the male fertilizes them. The female then picks the eggs up and carries them in her mouth. The female will carry the eggs and fry for 3-4 weeks. It is best to separate her at this time. |
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| Comments: | One of the more beautiful fish found from Lake Malawi. They are easily kept in most cichlid type aquarium setups. Full grown adult males usually boast a large price. Not easily bred, because the males will drive the females very hard to try to breed with them. Many times killing the females during the process. As well, they will continue to try to breed with the females, even while the females carry a mouthful of eggs or fry. |
| Main Colours: | Blue, Gold, Yellow |
| Markings: | Spots Large |
| Mouth: | Normal |
| Tail: | Flat |
| Search: | Show similar species Find compatible species |
| Image Credit: | ;ACIDRAIN |
| Submitted By: | ACIDRAIN |
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