Featherfin Cichlid (Furcifer)

Geographic Origin and Biotope: Endemic to Lake Tanganyika (East Africa). Inhabits the intermediate zones between shallow rocky formations and deep steep sandy bottoms, from 5 to 20 meters (16-65 ft) deep.

Taxonomy and Morphology: Featherfin Cichlid (Cyathopharynx furcifer). Cichlid of considerable size and unmistakable morphology, with males possessing very long ribbon-like or feather-like ventral fins, touching the tail.

Social Behavior: Polymorphic harem cichlid (keep 1 male with 3-4 females or very large groups). Males are territorial only towards conspecifics during the construction of the massive sand nuptial craters.

Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: Extreme dimorphism. Females are gray or silver, slender and anonymous. Dominant males are a dazzling display of iridescent metallic shades (dark blue, purple, emerald and copper) depending on the mood, with disproportionately elongated fins.

Aquarium Setup: Huge aquariums: minimum 150-180 cm (60-72 inches). A thick bottom of very fine sand (coral or calcareous) is mandatory. Prepare some large smooth boulders on which the males will build their sand "volcano nests" (even 20-30 cm / 8-12 inches high).

Diet and Feeding: In nature they "glean" algae from the rocks, ingesting the sand and filtering it. In the aquarium they need a very high quality diet, strictly vegetarian (spirulina, nori seaweed) supplemented with mysis and brine shrimp (rarely). No beef heart or carnivorous fish food.

Water Quality: Hard, strongly alkaline water (pH 8.2-9.0) and highly oxygenated. Zero nitrites and ammonia; nitrates must be kept below 15 ppm otherwise the loss of bright colors and the onset of diseases.

Compatibility and Tankmates: Peaceful with heterospecific fish. Perfect with Cyprichromis, Xenotilapia or small Neolamprologus (e.g. Leleupi). Avoid Tropheus or Petrochromis, too hyperactive, which would inhibit nuptial displays.

Aquarium Reproduction: Maternal mouthbrooders. The male erects a sand volcano on a boulder, attracts the female by shaking his long filaments (breathtaking display) to stimulate egg laying. She collects and incubates up to 50 fry in her mouth for 3-4 weeks.

Risks and Diseases: Very sensitive to Bloat (fatal intestinal blockage) if fed with too much animal protein. Intolerance to aggressive tankmates (severe stress).