Nguti cichlid

Care at a glance

Overview

The Nguti cichlid is a mild, sand-sifting Cameroonian fish best kept singly or as a loose male-and-female pairing, since it does not form lasting pairs. It keeps to the bottom, sorting sand and detritus for food, and is generally peaceful, but tankmates should be picked with care so nothing bullies it or crowds its space. Feed it detritus-type foods: sinking pellets and flake plus small frozen items such as bloodworm and brine shrimp. Give it a tank of at least 250 liters with a sand floor, some smooth stones, and wood or submerged branches for cover.

In the wild

Etia nguti is known only from the Mamfue river near the village of Nguti, part of the upper Cross River system in Cameroon. It lives in warm, soft to neutral water, so aim for a temperature range of 23–27 C and a pH of 6.0–7.2. Young fish sit in shallow riffles with some current, while adults gather around submerged branches and rocky outcrops, so give it sand, stone and wood with moderate, steady flow.

Good to know

Etia nguti belongs to the cichlid family and reaches about 16 centimeters. It is remarkable in classification: it is the only species in its genus and the only species in its own tribe, Etiini, a branch of the African cichlids all to itself. It is a delayed mouthbrooder that spawns over open ground without forming a firm pair bond, and the female then carries the fry. It feeds mainly on detritus.

Did you know

Etia nguti is the sole member of its evolutionary tribe: a whole named branch of the cichlid family that contains this one fish, from one river system in Cameroon.

Common questions

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