Featherfin Cichlid – Cyathopharynx Furcifer

Common name: Featherfin Cichlid

Scientific name: Cyathopharynx Furcifer

Average Adult Fish Size: 20cm / 8Inches

Place of Origin: Lake Tanganyika

Typical Tank setup: Open sandy areas are great for this species along with spares rock structures will help provide a natural habitat for this fish.

Recommended Minimum Aquarium Capacity: 300 Litres

Compatibility: This species can be kept in a species only set up or mixed with smaller Lake Tanganyika species. Do not keep with large or overly aggressive fish.

Temperature: 24-27 Deg C / 75-81 Deg F

Water chemistry:  pH 8-9.5

Feeding: Omnivore – Can be fed dried and frozen foods as well as flakes or pellets specially made for Lake Tanganyika species.

Sexing: Males tend to be a larger than females and much more colourful.

Breeding: Cyathopharynx Furcifer are maternal mouthbrooders like many of the African Cichlids. The male will entice a mate and as the female lays her eggs he will fertilize them. The process continues till all the eggs are fertilized and the female holds them in her mouth for 3-4 weeks during which time she does not eat.

Additional Information: One of the most beautiful African Cichlid species there is in the hobby. Males develop deep fluorescent blues, oranges and greens which become more intense during breeding. They also develop long flowing fins adding to the beauty of the fish. Cyathopharynx Furcifer has to be the dominant fish in the tank in order to thrive, they must not be kept with large or aggressive fish such as Mbuna. It’s a shame that this is a rather rare species but if you can find them and provide the ideal environment you will definitely be rewarded.