Consortus nanochromis

Nanochromis consortus

Also known as Consort dwarf cichlid

FreshwaterFish

Consortus nanochromis (Nanochromis consortus) — The Wet Spot Tropical Fish · Used with permission

Care at a glance

Temperature: 73–81°F (23–27°C)
pH: 6.0–7.5
Adult size: 2.6 in (6.5 cm)
Minimum tank: 29 gal (110 L)
Temperament: Mostly peaceful
Social behavior: Solitary
Tankmates: Tankmates with caution
Swim level: Bottom
Difficulty: Medium
Breeding: Medium
Rarity: Rare
Origin: Lower Congo rapids
Family: Cichlidae

Overview

This is a tiny, current-loving dwarf cichlid from Congo rapids, kept as a single bonded pair. It threads the gaps between rocks along the bottom, so give it a maze of stone with narrow caves and keep the water moving and well-oxygenated. It is peaceful for its family but a pair defends a small territory around its cave, so keep only small, calm tankmates and choose them with care. Feed small sinking foods, frozen and live micro-foods, and a fine pellet. A pair does well in around 110 liters with rockwork, flow, and soft to neutral water.

In the wild

Nanochromis consortus lives in the rapids of the lower Congo River near Inga, some of the most turbulent freshwater on earth. Recreating that means strong flow, high oxygen, and a floor of piled rock full of narrow gaps and caves. Keep the water soft to neutral, with a pH between 6 and 7.5 and a temperature around 23 to 27 C, and use a filter or powerhead to keep a brisk current running through the stonework.

Good to know

Nanochromis consortus is a dwarf cichlid in the family Cichlidae, reaching only about 6.5 centimeters. Its name is Latin for partner or consort. It is a cave spawner in which the female is the more colorful sex, developing a swollen red to violet belly when ripe, while males grow longer fin rays. The pair raises eggs and fry together inside a defended hollow among the rocks.

Did you know

In these Congo dwarfs the usual roles are reversed. It is the female that dresses up to spawn, flushing a bright, swollen red to violet belly to court the plainer male, rather than the other way around.