Marlieri Cichlid

General information

This species has an elongated body with alternating white and black spots and stripes and their fins are outlined in black and blue, it can reach 6 inches. To keep these fish in an aquarium, the water pH should be between 8.0 and 9.0 and water temperature should range from 73ºF to 81ºF. The tank should have a sandy substrate, plenty of rocks and caves. They are quite territorial and can become aggressive so if put in a community tank their tankmates should be of similar size. This species should be kept as a pair in a 15 gallon tank.

This species is omnivorous . It can be fed with frozen or live food and with flakes or pellets.

Mature females are larger than males.

To breed this species in captivity, it is best to buy a group of young fish and these will pair off naturally. Once a pair forms, it lasts for life and the other fish should be removed. They will spawn in a cave, the male will guard the territory while the female will take care of the fry. The fry can be fed with brine shrimp.

These fish inhabit rocky shorelines in Lake Tanganyika, Africa.