All fish / Cichlidae

Zebra Obliquidens

Astatotilapia latifasciata

Also known as zebra obliquidens, haplochromis zebra obliquidens, haplochromis latifasciatus, astatotilapia latifasciatus, obliquidens zebra, zebra haplochromis

This Victorian haplochromine cichlid has a yellowish body crossed by two or three broad black bars. Males also show red on the throat and chest and egg spots on the anal fin. It is kept for its bold pattern and lively behaviour, and also for conservation, because it is scarce or possibly gone in the wild.

Care at a glance

Care level

Moderate

Temperament

Semi

Adult size

11 cm

Temperature

22 to 27 °C

pH

7 to 8.5

Smallest tank

200 litres

Keep as

One male with three or more females

Diet

Omnivore: quality cichlid pellets and flakes, frozen bloodworm, brine shrimp, mysis and some vegetable matter

Swims

Middle of the tank

Lifespan

6 to 10 years

Water

Freshwater

Wild range

Uganda: Lakes Kyoga and Nawampasa (Lake Victoria basin)

Breeding

It is a maternal mouthbrooder. The female holds the eggs and fry in her mouth for about three weeks. It breeds readily in a well-fed group with more females than males.

Good to know

Males are territorial and harass females, so keep several females for each male and add plenty of cover. Do not keep it with other Victorian haplochromines, as hybrids are easily produced and can damage conservation stocks.