Guenther's Mouthbrooder

Chromidotilapia guentheri

FreshwaterFish

Care at a glance

Temperature: 75–81°F (24–27°C)
pH: 6.0–7.5
Adult size: 5.9 in (15 cm)
Minimum tank: 30 gal (115 L)
Temperament: Mostly peaceful
Social behavior: Social
Swim level: Middle
Difficulty: Medium
Breeding: Hard
Rarity: Rare
Origin: West Africa
Family: Cichlidae

Overview

This is a mostly peaceful cichlid that does best as a bonded pair and can share a tank with other calm, sturdy fish. It works the middle and lower levels and likes territory to defend, so give it caves and broken sight lines. Keep the water warm, in the mid 20s C, with pH from 6 to 7.5. Feed a varied diet of quality pellets and flake plus frozen foods like brine shrimp and bloodworms. A bigger tank, around 115 liters or more, keeps the peace.

In the wild

Guenther's mouthbrooder comes from slow rivers, streams, and lakes in West Africa, including Cameroon, Nigeria, and Gabon. It favors shallow water over sand or mud, with plants and submerged roots for cover. The water is warm and runs from slightly acidic to neutral. Recreate that with a roomy tank, soft sandy substrate, driftwood, and plenty of hiding places.

Good to know

Chromidotilapia guentheri is a West African cichlid in the family Cichlidae. Adults reach about 15 cm. The standout trait is biparental mouthbrooding. The parents carry the eggs and fry in their mouth for protection, which is unusual and makes breeding a real project. Wild populations are widespread.

Did you know

In this species both parents share the mouthbrooding, which is rare among cichlids. The pair can pass a clutch of eggs and fry back and forth, taking turns holding them, so neither fish has to go too long without eating during the brooding period.