All fish / Cichlidae

Benthochromis tricoti

Also known as tricoti, benthochromis, tricoti cichlid, benthochromis tricotti, ベントクロミス・トリコッティ

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A slender, deep-water cichlid from Lake Tanganyika whose males develop long trailing fins and a shimmering blue to gold body when displaying. It is kept by Tanganyika enthusiasts for its graceful, open-water behaviour and striking courtship colours, which are rare among cichlids of the lake.

Care at a glance

Care level: Hard
Temperament: Peaceful
Adult size: 18 cm
Temperature: 24 to 27 °C
pH: 8 to 9
Smallest tank: 700 litres
Keep as: Group of 6 or more with several females per male
Diet: Carnivore: zooplankton, mysis, krill, Cyclops and small sinking pellets
Swims: Middle of the tank
Lifespan: 8 to 12 years
Water: Freshwater
Wild range: Lake Tanganyika (Burundi, DR Congo, Tanzania, Zambia)

Breeding

A maternal mouthbrooder; males build sand nests or display in open water and the female broods the eggs for around three weeks. It breeds in large, quiet aquariums but is shy and uncommon in the trade, so captive breeding is not routine.

Good to know

Needs a very large, long tank with calm tankmates, as it is timid and stresses easily; deep-water origin means it dislikes bright light and rapid water changes in chemistry.