Otopharynx lithobates

Scientific name: Otopharynx lithobates Oliver, 1989

Otopharynx lithobates

Otopharynx lithobates is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows to about 16 cm (6.3 in). It is easy to keep and semi-aggressive and needs a tank of at least 285 L (75 US gal), water at 23–28°C (73–82°F) and a pH of 7.6–8.8. Native range: Africa, Endemic to Lake Malawi.

Otopharynx lithobates care at a glance

Care level
Easy
Temperament
Semi-aggressive
Adult size
16 cm (6.3 in)
Minimum tank
285 L (75 US gal)
Temperature
23–28°C (73–82°F)
pH
7.6–8.8
Hardness
10–25 dGH (178–446 ppm)
Diet
Omnivore

Biology

Inhabits caves. Found in rocky habitats. Feeds on the droppings of mainly herbivorous species. Picks up edible morsels from the substrate. Also seems to be attracted to large catfishes, from which it may eat wastes as well.

Source: FishBase, licensed CC BY-NC 4.0.

Species facts

Scientific name
Otopharynx lithobates
Family
Cichlidae (Cichlids)
Order
Perciformes (Perch-like fish)
Class
Actinopterygii (Ray-finned fishes)
Maximum length
16.0
Depth range
10 m (33 ft)
Environment
Freshwater; demersal; depth range ? - 10 m
Climate
Tropical
Distribution
Africa: Endemic to Lake Malawi. Occurs at Mumbo, Thumbi West and East, Zimbabwe Rock, Chinyamwezi, and along the coast from the tip of Domwe Island to Monkey Bay.
Conservation status (IUCN)
Vulnerable (VU) (D2)
Threat to humans
Harmless
Uses
Aquarium: commercial
Resilience
High, minimum population doubling time less than 15 months (Preliminary K or Fecundity.)

More african cichlids

See all african cichlids

Sources

Taxonomy, 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.

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