Tweet
Category:
Common Name:
Scientific Name:
Description:
Origin:
Max Size:
Minimum Tank Size:
Swim Area:
Life Span:
Temperature Range (F):
pH:
Hardness (dH):
Diet:
Additional Diet Information:
Gender Difference:
Differences between male and female:
Breeding:
Temperament/Social Behavior:
Common Diseases:
Availability:
Photos
African Cichlids, Lake Tanganyika
Common Name:
Ventralis, Blue Goldtip Cichlid
Scientific Name:
Ophthalmotilapia ventralis
Description:
The Ophthalmotilapia ventralis is a beautiful tanganyikan cichlid, refered to as a 'Featherfin'. Several color morphs exist. Good tank mates are Shelldwellers and Cyprichromis, as these fish are not likely to nip at the ventralis' long ventral fins.
They require a lot of open swim space. Keep rockwork to the back and ends of the tank.
They require a lot of open swim space. Keep rockwork to the back and ends of the tank.
Origin:
Lake Tanganyika , Africa
Max Size:
6 inches
Minimum Tank Size:
100 gallons
Swim Area:
Middle
Life Span:
5 - 8 years
Temperature Range (F):
75F - 80F
pH:
7.4 - 8.0
Hardness (dH):
10dH - 12dH
Diet:
Herbivore
Additional Diet Information:
Gender Difference:
Dimorphic
Differences between male and female:
Male is larger and has more coloration than the female. Male has much longer ventral fins.
Breeding:
Maternal Mouthbrooder
The female will hold the eggs in her mouth. Gestation can take up to 3 weeks before the fry are released. During the holding time the female will probably refuse to eat.
Temperament/Social Behavior:
Territorial; or, Gregarious; or, Aggressive
Common Diseases:
Availability:
Occasionally Available
Photos