Enantiopus melanogenys

Geographic Origin and Biotope: Endemic to Lake Tanganyika, along the coast. Frequents exclusively sandy coastal zones, where it sifts the substrate far from rocky shelters.

Taxonomy and Morphology: Sand Sifter Cichlid (Xenotilapia melanogenys, formerly Enantiopus). Falls among the benthic cichlids (Ectodini). Sloping facial profile (horse face), very elongated cigar-shaped body, eyes bulging upwards.

Social Behavior: Extremely gregarious, MUST be kept in groups (2 males and at least 4-6 females). Chronic shyness turns into panic in isolated tanks. Males engage in scenic "battles" (displays) for breeding clearings.

Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: Drab and gray/silver females perfect for camouflage. Dominant males are an absolute spectacle: the lower lip becomes very black ("melanogenys") and they show off sun yellow and iridescent blue spots on the flanks and fins.

Aquarium Setup: Dimensions: minimum 150 cm x 50 (60 x 20 inches) depth for a group. NO rocks in the center, just an endless expanse of fine sand. Do not introduce coarse gravel, under penalty of wasting and infections of the mouth and gills.

Diet and Feeding: Feeds by swallowing shovelfuls of sand which it filters through its gills, retaining microcrustaceans. In the aquarium, offer very minute frozen food (cyclops, daphnia, baby brine shrimp) and ground spirulina/pellets that sink quickly.

Water Quality: Very strict requirement for the hard and alkaline water of Tanganyika. But the #1 threat is sand pollution, which must be kept moved and clean.

Compatibility and Tankmates: Splendid pairing with schools of Cyprichromis, which occupy the upper water column, giving them security. Rocky and territorial cichlids (Julidochromis, Neolamprologus brichardi, Tropheus) are forbidden.

Aquarium Reproduction: Maternal mouthbrooders. The male digs a huge flared nest in the volcanic sand (crater). With vibrant movements he attracts the female to it; once laid, she broods very large eggs for 20 days.

Risks and Diseases: Mechanical damage. They are "missiles" ready to go off if frightened at night or when the light turns on, and they die hitting tie-rods or glass. Frequent oral infections if forced in aquariums with sharp gravel.