Nigrodorsalis benitochromis
Benitochromis nigrodorsalis
Also known as Blackfin mouthbrooder
FreshwaterFish
Care at a glance
- Temperature
- 73–81°F
- 23–27°C
- pH
- 5.5–7.0
- Adult size
- 3.7 in
- 9.5 cm
- Minimum tank
- 42 gal
- 160 L
- Temperament
- Mostly peaceful
- Social behavior
- Solitary
- Tankmates
- With caution
- Swim level
- Bottom
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Breeding
- Mouthbrooder · Medium
- Rarity
- Rare
- Family
- Cichlidae
- Origin
- Ntem drainage, Cameroon and Equatorial Guinea
Overview
The Nigrodorsalis benitochromis is a small, shy mouthbrooding cichlid for a calm, soft-water tank. It is a step up from beginner fish.
Did you know
The Nigrodorsalis benitochromis has a small range squeezed by expanding plantation agriculture. It is regarded as threatened in the wild, so aquarium-bred stock helps keep the line going outside its shrinking home streams.
Caring for the Nigrodorsalis benitochromis
Plan on at least 42 gal (160 L) for a pair of Nigrodorsalis benitochromis and a few quiet companions. Lay a sandy floor, then add driftwood, leaf litter, some shade and plenty of cover. These give a pair sheltered corners and flat surfaces to spawn on.
It wants soft, warm, slightly acidic water at 73 to 81°F (23 to 27°C) and a pH of 5.5 to 7.0, with gentle flow. Offer small foods such as fine pellets and flake, along with frozen bloodworm, brine shrimp and cyclops.
Keep a pair rather than a group, since a bonded pair raises the young together. It stays low in the tank and is peaceful, though shy until it settles. Choose calm tank mates with care.
It is a biparental, ovophilous mouthbrooder, and both parents share the eggs and fry. Breeding it is of medium difficulty.
Good to know
Benitochromis nigrodorsalis belongs to the cichlid family and was described in 2001. Its species name means black-backed, for the dark front edge of the dorsal fin against an otherwise pastel body.
In the wild
The Nigrodorsalis benitochromis comes from the Ntem drainage, on the border of Cameroon and Equatorial Guinea. It lives in quiet, soft, tannin-stained forest streams.
Common questions
What size tank does a Nigrodorsalis benitochromis need?
A Nigrodorsalis benitochromis needs at least 42 gal (160 L). It spends most of its time in the bottom.
What temperature and pH does a Nigrodorsalis benitochromis need?
A Nigrodorsalis benitochromis is comfortable at 73–81°F (23–27°C) with a pH of 5.5–7.0.
What does a Nigrodorsalis benitochromis eat?
A Nigrodorsalis benitochromis eats small foods such as fine pellets and flake. It also takes frozen bloodworm, brine shrimp and cyclops.
How big does a Nigrodorsalis benitochromis get?
An adult Nigrodorsalis benitochromis reaches about 3.7 in (9.5 cm).
How does a Nigrodorsalis benitochromis breed?
A Nigrodorsalis benitochromis pair broods its eggs and fry in the mouth, with both parents sharing the job. Breeding it is of medium difficulty.
Related species
3.7 in (9.5 cm)42 gal (160 L)73–81°F (23–27°C)Mungo blue benitochromis
Benitochromis finleyi
3.7 in (9.5 cm) · 42 gal (160 L)
3.9 in (10 cm)42 gal (160 L)73–81°F (23–27°C)Ufermann's benitochromis
Benitochromis ufermanni
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3.5 in (9 cm)42 gal (160 L)73–81°F (23–27°C)Conjunctus benitochromis
Benitochromis conjunctus
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3.5 in (9 cm)42 gal (160 L)73–81°F (23–27°C)Rio Muni benitochromis
Benitochromis riomuniensis
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3.7 in (9.5 cm)26 gal (100 L)75–82°F (24–28°C)Bigmouth dwarf cichlid
Apistogramma megastoma
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3.7 in (9.5 cm)53 gal (200 L)73–81°F (23–27°C)Linke's mouthbrooder
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