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Multidens cichlid

Heterochromis multidens

Also known as African heterochromis

FreshwaterFish

Multidens cichlid (Heterochromis multidens)

Care at a glance

Temperature
73–82°F
23–28°C
pH
6.0–7.2
Adult size
11.8 in
30 cm
Minimum tank
159 gal
600 L
Temperament
Aggressive
Social behavior
Solitary
Tankmates
With caution
Swim level
Middle
Diet
Carnivore
Difficulty
Medium
Breeding
No record
Rarity
Rare
Family
Cichlidae
Origin
Central Congo basin

Overview

The Multidens cichlid is a big, robust and rarely seen fish from the Congo, imported only occasionally. It suits a keeper with some experience.

Did you know

The Multidens cichlid's unusual anatomy once led scientists to suspect it was closer to the cichlids of the Americas than to those of Africa. It now sits so deep in the family tree that it is effectively a sister to the entire African cichlid group.

Caring for the Multidens cichlid

Keep a Multidens cichlid alone or as a single pair rather than in a group. Give it a tank of at least 159 gal (600 L), with rock and wood to break up territory.

A dim tank with tannin-stained water suits it, over a sand floor with plenty of driftwood and leaf litter. Subdued lighting and cover help this shy, big-bodied fish settle in. Keep the water at 73 to 82°F (23 to 28°C) and a pH of 6.0 to 7.2.

Multidens cichlids are carnivorous, taking small fish and invertebrates in the wild. In the tank they accept meaty frozen foods and quality pellets.

They are aggressive, so choose tank mates with real care. Only large, sturdy fish can hold their own, and it is often easiest to keep one on its own.

Breeding is essentially unrecorded in aquaria. From its anatomy, it is thought to be a substrate spawner rather than a mouthbrooder.

Good to know

Heterochromis multidens belongs to the cichlid family and is the only species in its genus. It is an early offshoot of the African cichlid tree rather than a member of the great rift-lake radiations.

In the wild

Heterochromis multidens lives along the forested margins of the central Congo basin. The water there is warm, soft and often tea-colored.

Common questions

What size tank does a Multidens cichlid need?

A Multidens cichlid needs at least 159 gal (600 L). It spends most of its time in the middle.

What temperature and pH does a Multidens cichlid need?

A Multidens cichlid is comfortable at 73–82°F (23–28°C) with a pH of 6.0–7.2.

What does a Multidens cichlid eat?

A Multidens cichlid is carnivorous, taking small fish and invertebrates in the wild. In the tank it accepts meaty frozen foods and quality pellets.

How big does a Multidens cichlid get?

An adult Multidens cichlid reaches about 11.8 in (30 cm).

How does a Multidens cichlid breed?

The Multidens cichlid has essentially no recorded breeding in aquaria. From its anatomy, it is thought to be a substrate spawner rather than a mouthbrooder.

Related species