HomeFreshwater aquarium fishAfrican cichlidsCallochromis pleurospilus Callochromis pleurospilus Scientific name: Callochromis pleurospilus Boulenger, 1906 Callochromis pleurospilus is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows to about 10 cm (3.9 in). It is moderate to keep and aggressive, suits community aquariums and needs a tank of at least 150 L (40 US gal), water at 23–28°C (73–82°F) and a pH of 7.0–8.5. Native range: Africa, Endemic to Lake Tanganyika, except the South end of the Lake. Occurs over sand bottoms near rocks where they feed on invertebrates. Callochromis pleurospilus care at a glanceCare levelModerateTemperamentAggressiveCommunity tankGoodAdult size10 cm (3.9 in)Minimum tank150 L (40 US gal)Temperature23–28°C (73–82°F)pH7.0–8.5Hardness10–15 dGH (178–268 ppm)DietOmnivore. Accepts live foods. BiologyDorsal spines (total): 12 - 14; Dorsal soft rays (total): 11-14; Anal spines: 3; Anal soft rays: 7 - 9; Vertebrae: 30 - 32. Body slightly elongated, highest at origin of dorsal fin; dorsal profile gently rounded, ventral profile rather straight. Mouth very low; jaws usually equal; maxillary may or may not extend to a vertical line through anterior margin of eye. All teeth on both jaws conical, recurved, arranged in outer and inner series. First dorsal spine very short, all spines with a lappet near tip; all dorsal fin soft rays usually branched. First anal spine very short, length of subsequent spines increasing progressively, and all spines with a small lappet near tip. Pectoral fin reaching between anus and third anal fin spine. Pelvic fin filamentous, reaching between anus and second anal fin spine. Scales ctenoid on lateral surface of body.Source: FishBase, licensed CC BY-NC 4.0. Species factsScientific nameCallochromis pleurospilusFamilyCichlidae (Cichlids)OrderPerciformes (Perch-like fish)ClassActinopterygii (Ray-finned fishes)Maximum length10.0EnvironmentFreshwater;; pH range: 7.0 - 8.5; dH range: 10 - 15 benthopelagicClimateTropicalDistributionAfrica: Endemic to Lake Tanganyika, except the South end of the Lake.Conservation status (IUCN)Least Concern (LC)Threat to humansHarmlessUsesAquarium: commercialResilienceMedium, minimum population doubling time 1.4 - 4.4 years (Assuming Fec More african cichlidsAltolamprologus calvusZebra mbunaMaylandia zebraLavender mbunaIodotropheus sprengeraeIodotropheus stuartgrantiFeatherfin cichlidCyathopharynx furciferHumphead cichlidCyphotilapia frontosaSee all african cichlids SourcesTaxonomy, distribution and biology data: FishBase (Froese, R. and D. Pauly, eds.), licensed CC BY-NC 4.0. Aquarium care parameters compiled, checked and converted to metric and imperial units by Guppies.za.net.Last updated 28 September 2026