Description

Otopharynx lithobates lithobates is a cave living species. This is a species with several geographic color variants which can be found in the southern part of the lake. They are living there in rocky environments near Mumbo Island, Thumbi West and Thumbi East, Zimbawe Rock, Chinyanwezi, Domwe Island and in Monkey Bay. The variant shown here is a breeding type which can not be found in the lake.

Not so long ago this species was described as Otopharynx lithobates but because of the modified description of the possible variant which is found at the Maleri Islands this name changes probably temporary in Otopharynx lithobates lithobates. The variant from the Maleri Islands was first described as Otopharynx walteri and later as Otopharynx lithobates however nowadays this species is considered to be a subspecies of Otopharynx lithobates with the probably temporary name Otopharynx lithobates walteri.

In the lake the males of these species can grow to 6.5″ , in the aquarium however they can grow a little taller because of a good feeding. The males can then grow to about 7″, females grow to about 5.5″.

Otopharynx lithobates lithobates is in common a real peaceful cichlid. You can keep this species best with other peaceful species and multiple females in a tank with enough places to hide.

In the lake they are seeking the sand and eat faeces of other, mainly vegetation eating fish.In the aquarium they are comfortable with any food. They take everything they get offered, like spirulina pellets, mysis, artemia, cyclops and shrimp-peas mix.