Nasuta Cichlid
Ophthalmotilapia nasuta
The bizarre 'Nasuta Cichlid' (18 cm). A mind-blowing Tanganyika fish: males possess a prominent bulbous nose similar to a beak and develop incredible pelvic fins (Featherfins) long up to the tail ending in fake golden buttons, used to seduce females in sand towers.
Water Temperature
24 - 27 °C
pH Value
8 - 9
Water type
Freshwater
Tank level
Bottom
Adult size
18 cm
Minimum tank volume
>= 180 L
Minimum group
>= 1
GH
10 - 25 dGH
KH
5 - 12 dKH
TDS
200 - 495 ppm
Conductivity
313 - 773 uS/cm
Species description
Geographic Origin and Biotope: FishBase records Ophthalmotilapia nasuta from Lake Tanganyika at depths of 2–10 m. It records the species as tropical, freshwater and benthopelagic.
Taxonomy and Morphology: FishBase records a maximum length of 20 cm TL and a temperature of 24–26 °C for Ophthalmotilapia nasuta.
Social Behaviour: FishBase reports feeding on microorganisms from plankton clouds and that females mouthbrood the young.
Colouration and Sexual Dimorphism: This recovery makes no statement about colouration or sexual dimorphism.
Care, breeding and tankmates
Verified source data: Ophthalmotilapia nasuta is freshwater and benthopelagic; FishBase records 2–10 m and 24–26 °C. It feeds on microorganisms drifting in plankton clouds, and females brood their young in the mouth.
Geographic origin and distribution
This species originates from: Africa (Lago Tanganica).
Origin
Selective breeding and cultivarsAfrica and MadagascarEast Asia
Fish profile
- Temperament
- Semi-aggressive
- Males are highly territorial and will aggressively defend their spawning sites against rivals. Aside from breeding disputes, they are generally active and outgoing. Providing adequate space is crucial to manage their boisterous behavior.
- Diet
- Omnivore
- They are specialized feeders that naturally graze on algae and aufwuchs from rocks. Their diet must be high in quality vegetable matter, such as spirulina flakes. Occasional offerings of mysis shrimp or daphnia can be provided, but avoid high-protein meaty foods.
- Life expectancy
- 8-10 years
- Adult size
- 18 cm
- Sex ratio
- Harem
- Males are larger, display spectacular colors, and have elongated pelvic fins with specialized egg spots. Females are smaller and usually a drab silvery-brown. A harem structure of one male to at least three or four females is recommended.
- Feeding frequency
- Twice daily
- Feed them small amounts two to three times a day. This frequent feeding mimics their constant grazing behavior in the wild. Be careful not to overfeed, as they are susceptible to bloat.
- Bioload
- Medium to High
- This cichlid has a moderate bioload consistent with its size. Powerful canister or sump filtration is required to maintain excellent water quality. Frequent, large water changes are vital to keep nitrate levels minimal.
- Flow
- Stagnant
- They require well-oxygenated water with moderate flow. Good surface agitation is necessary to maintain high dissolved oxygen levels. The current should not be so strong that it prevents them from building their breeding bowers.
- Jump risk
- Yes
- They have a moderate risk of jumping, particularly during territorial disputes. Males chasing females can quickly result in a fish leaping from the tank. A secure and tight-fitting lid is absolutely essential.
- Reproduction
- Oviparous
- They are maternal mouthbrooders, making reproduction interesting to observe. Males build impressive sand bowers to attract females and fertilize the eggs via complex courtship displays. The female will hold the eggs and fry in her mouth for several weeks.
- Compatibility & tankmates
- Peaceful
- They are relatively peaceful for Lake Tanganyika cichlids but can be territorial during breeding. They should be housed with other Tanganyika species of similar size and temperament. Avoid keeping them with overly aggressive or very small fish.
- Tank level
- Bottom
- They utilize the entire water column but focus their activities near the substrate during breeding. Males will vigorously defend their sand bowers on the bottom. Females and subdominant males will often school in the mid-water regions.
Scientific Parameters & Models
FishBase
Window to the official scientific data of the species
FishBase v25.04Data synced on: 06/15/2026
- Trophic level
- 2.1 ± 0.1 se
- Resilience
- High (less than 15 months)
- Phylogenetic uniqueness (PD50)
- 0.5625
- Bayesian Length-Weight
- a = 0.01445, b = 2.99
- VulnerabilityLow vulnerability (10 / 100)
Related species
Recommendations grouped by close relatives, companion choices, and similar care.
