TankBud

Nguti cichlid

Etia nguti

Also known as Etia

FreshwaterFish

Nguti cichlid (Etia nguti)
The Wet Spot Tropical Fish · Used with permission

Care at a glance

Temperature
73–81°F
23–27°C
pH
6.0–7.2
Adult size
6.3 in
16 cm
Minimum tank
66 gal
250 L
Temperament
Mostly peaceful
Social behavior
Solitary
Tankmates
With caution
Swim level
Bottom
Difficulty
Medium
Breeding
Mouthbrooder · Medium
Rarity
Rare
Family
Cichlidae
Origin
Mamfue river, Cameroon

Overview

The Nguti cichlid is a mild, sand-sifting cichlid from Cameroon that keeps to the bottom. It suits a keeper with a little experience.

Did you know

The Nguti cichlid is the sole member of its own evolutionary tribe, Etiini. The tribe is a whole named branch of the African cichlids, and it holds just this one fish.

Caring for the Nguti cichlid

Give a Nguti cichlid at least 66 gal (250 L), with a sand floor, smooth stones, and wood or submerged branches for cover. Add a moderate, steady flow.

The water should be warm and soft to neutral, at 73 to 81°F (23 to 27°C) and a pH of 6.0 to 7.2. It feeds mainly on detritus, sorting through the sand on the bottom. Feed detritus-type foods such as sinking pellets and flake, plus small frozen bloodworm and brine shrimp.

Keep it singly or as a loose male-and-female pairing, since it does not form lasting pairs. It is generally peaceful, but pick tank mates with care so nothing bullies it or crowds its space.

The Nguti cichlid is a delayed mouthbrooder that spawns over open ground without forming a firm pair bond. The female then carries the fry in her mouth. Breeding it is a moderate challenge.

Good to know

The Nguti cichlid, Etia nguti, belongs to the cichlid family. It is the only species in its genus.

In the wild

The Nguti cichlid is known only from the Mamfue river near the village of Nguti, part of the upper Cross River system in Cameroon. Young fish sit in shallow riffles with some current, while adults gather around submerged branches and rocky outcrops.

Common questions

What size tank does a Nguti cichlid need?

A Nguti cichlid needs at least 66 gal (250 L). It spends most of its time in the bottom.

What temperature and pH does a Nguti cichlid need?

A Nguti cichlid is comfortable at 73–81°F (23–27°C) with a pH of 6.0–7.2.

What does a Nguti cichlid eat?

A Nguti cichlid feeds mainly on detritus. In the tank, give it sinking pellets and flake plus small frozen bloodworm and brine shrimp.

How big does a Nguti cichlid get?

An adult Nguti cichlid reaches about 6.3 in (16 cm).

How does a Nguti cichlid breed?

A Nguti cichlid spawns over open ground without a firm pair bond. The female then broods the fry in her mouth, as a delayed mouthbrooder. Breeding it is a moderate challenge.

Related species