Bathybates Fasciatus

Common name: Bathybates Fasciatus

Scientific name: Bathybates Fasciatus

Average Adult Fish Size: 33cm / 13Inches

Place of Origin: Lake Tanganyika

Typical Tank setup: The aquarium should not contain any rocks or decorations. A sand substrate is preferred.

Recommended Minimum Aquarium Capacity: 600 Litres

Compatibility: This species is better kept with other Bathybates Fasciatus only.

Temperature: 23-27 Deg C / 73-81 Deg F

Water chemistry:  pH 8-9

Feeding: Carnivore – Can be fed feeder fish, dried and frozen protein based foods such as frozen shrimp.

Sexing: Males and females of this species are identical and the only accurate way of determining their sex is by venting. Males tend to be a little larger than females.

Breeding: Bathybates Fasciatus 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: This giant of Lake Tanganyika rivals the more popular Frontosa for size growing to around 13inches, however this fish has an elongated body compared to the Frontosa’s bulky body. Due to their large size you need a large aquarium to match and any set-up containing these fish should be free of any decoration as they can easily get stuck due to a lack of ability to swim backwards. Bathybates Fasciatus are a mild mannered species and quiet sensitive, teamed with their specific aquarium set-up they are best kept in a species only tank. This is not a very popular species but can prove to be rewarding for advanced fish keepers.