| Scientific name: Buccochromis rhoadesi |
| Trade name: Yellow lepturus |
| Natural habitat: Sandy environments and near beaches |
| Food in the lake: Young cichlids that live in the sandy habitats. |
| Food in the aquarium: A mix of quality pellets, flakes, krill, artemia, etc fed sparingly. Fish meat can also be fed, as this cichlids is a piscivore. No mammal meat! |
| Behaviour in my aquarium: All in all this predator is rather peaceful, as only the female is chased from time to time. The male doesn't defend a territory in my tank. |
| Tankmates: Every Malawi cichlid above a certain size (roughly 10- 12cm) except Mbuna. |
| Maximal size: Can vary quite a bit depending on water quality and food amount. Grows to about 30 cm. |
| Aquarium: At least a tank of >1000L with a sufficient amount of big rocks and caves. A sand bottom, pH between 7.5 - 8.5, temperature about 25°C |
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Buccochromis rhoadesi with Fossorochromis rostratus in my aquarium
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Personal notes:
A large tank requires large cichlids. With this in mind I bought a pair of these large Malawi predators that now swim quite happily in their new home. They are a pleasant company for the other fish, as they don't chase them. The Buccochromis also don't chase them for food, as a young Protomelas spilonotus managed to survive in their company. That Protomelas accidently fell into the big tank when it was 4cm, and meanwhile it has gained some extra 4cm without ever being harassed! Buccochromis are also reported to grow to about 40cm, but I think my male has stopped growing at 25cm. Although I have a pair for a long time already, no breeding has been observed yet.
At their arrival: still a bit small...
Not quite awake yet!
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