Benthochromis Tricoti

Common name: Benthochromis Tricoti

Scientific name: Benthochromis Tricoti

Average Adult Fish Size: 23cm / 9Inches

Place of Origin: Lake Tanganyika

Typical Tank setup: Lake Tanganyika setup with rock structures and a sand substrate.

Recommended Minimum Aquarium Capacity: 400 Litres

Compatibility: Other relatively peaceful Lake Tanganyika species. Avoid keeping with aggressive species.

Temperature: 25-27 Deg C / 77-81 Deg F

Water chemistry:  pH 7.8-8.6

Feeding: Carnivore – Best thrives on specially made African Cichlid pellets or flakes along with frozen and dried protein foods such as 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: Benthochromis Tricoti 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: Benthochromis Tricoti are beautiful fish developing long flowing fins particularly the extensions on the tail fin teamed with turquoise, purple and silver colouring along the body. This is a shoaling species and thus can be kept on their own as a large group or with other relatively peaceful Lake Tanganiyka species. However, if mixing you should keep at least 6 Benthochromis Tricoti to encourage shoaling behavior. Surprisingly perhaps to their large size and their need for a larger aquarium, these are very rarely found in the hobby but if you do find any they are sure to bring beauty to any setup. If keeping them for breeding purposes they are best kept in a breeder tank on their own as females often don’t spawn or hold full term in crowded setups.