Rostratus (Fossorochromis rostratus)

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Rostratus

Fossorochromisrostratus.jpg
Rostratus

Fossorochromis rostratus

473 Litres (125 US G.)

20-25 cm (7.9-9.8")

sg

Freshwater

pH

7.2 - 8.8

24 -26 °C (75.2-78.8°F)

10-18 °d

1:2 M:F

Carnivore
Pellet Foods
Flake Foods
Live Foods

5-8 years

Family

Cichlidae



Additional names

Rostratus

Additional scientific names

Tilapia rostrata, Cyrtocara rostrata, Haplochromis rostratus, Haplochromis macrorhynchus


Origin[edit]

Endemic to Lake Malawi.


Sexing[edit]

Males and females have entirely different colouration, the male is larger with iridescent silver-blue colouration, whereas the female is pale cream-yellow with black markings in a checkerboard pattern down the flanks.


Tank compatibility[edit]

A relatively peaceful African Cichlid, but can get feisty during spawning. Keep with other similar-sized semi-aggressive African Cichlids. Appreciates company of its own kind and several males can be kept together if the tank is large enough.


Diet[edit]

Will accept most foods including pellets and flake as well as live/frozen food such as shrimp, bloodworms, artemia and blanched vegetables.


Feeding regime[edit]

Feed once or twice a day.


Environment specifics[edit]

Needs a soft sandy substrate and no sharp objects. Appreciate good filtration and a large amount of open swimming space with large hiding places.


Behaviour[edit]

This is quiet a shy Cichlid and can be easily startled, will dive into the substrate if spooked.


Identification[edit]

Both males and females are elongate with large mouths. The males are iridescent blue with black and green markings. The females are smaller and pale yellow-brown with checkerboard black markings down the lateral line.

Pictures[edit]

External links[edit]