Afra – Cynotilapia Afra

Common name: Afra

Scientific name: Cynotilapia Afra, Paratilapia Afra, Hemichromis Afer

Average Adult Fish Size: 10cm / 4 Inches

Place of Origin: Lake Malawi

Typical Tank setup: Rocky Malawi tank.

Recommended Minimum Aquarium Capacity: 160 Litres

Compatibility: Other Mbuna cichlids

Temperature: 23-28 Deg C / 73-82 Deg F

Water chemistry:  pH 7.6-8.6

Feeding: Omnivorous – feed vegetable based flake foods as a staple. Diet should be supplimented with brine shrimp and fresh green vegetables such as spinach, zucchini, romaine lettuce, spinach and peas.

Sexing: Makes are brighter blue with black bars on body. Males tend to have more pronounced and brighter egg spots.

Breeding: Keep a ratio of one male to three females. Many caves made from rocks are needed. The female is a mouth-brooder and cares for the young. The female should be moved to a birthing tank after she is holding eggs.

Additional Information: Many caves and hiding places among rocks and pieces of slate are essential. The aquarium should be broken up into specific territories if more than one male is to be kept. Fine gravel or sand is required as the Afra will dig. Hard water with a high pH is essential.