General information – The Xenotilapia Ochrogenys is an amazing

cichlid from lake Tanganika. Like its entire genus females are gray in

color while the males are colorful, in this species males have protruding

yellow colors. Males body has black ornaments, in breeding time or

when other male presents in the tank the dominant male will puff its

chin. The name Xenotilapia originate from Greek, xenos refer to weird

while the thiape refer to fish.  Xenotilapia Ochrogenys found throughout

the lake in shallow sandy environments. Its mouth is able to extend and

with this amazing mouth structure it can probe the substrate.   

Common Name - Ochrogenys 

Scientific Name - Xenotilapia Ochrogenys 

Photo by: Bugger1

Family – Cichlidae  

Origin - Ndole Bay, Zambia; Lake Tanganyika 

Size – Up to 12.5 cm (5 in) 

First discovered - Boulenger, 1914 

Nutrition – insectivore, the Ochrogenys is a sand dwelling invertebrates. In the wild this cichlid filters

insects from the sand. In captivity it will accept commercial foods but will highly appreciate frozen and

live foods. bloodworms, mysis and krill are its favorites.  

Behavior – Aggressive 

Maintenance and care – The Xenotilapia Ochrogenys should be kept in a fish tank no smaller then 50

gallon (190 litters). The tanks should be decorated with rock formation and plenty of room to swim. As

substrate it is recommended to use fine gravel or fine sand.  The Ochrogenys must be kept in large groups

in the tank in order to spread its natural aggressions. Although it is an aggressive species it is not good

idea to keep it with aggressive tankmates such as Tropheus species. There is also a problem keeping it

with Callochromis species.  

Water Parameters – Temperature: 77F - 79F, PH: 8-8.6  

Breeding - Once the couple is ready to spawn, the male will dig a round pit in the substrate, the female

will arrive to the pit and lay about 8 eggs, these eggs will immediacy fertilized by the male. The female

will collect these fertilized eggs to her mouth and hold them for about three weeks. After spawning occurs 

the female retreated to a hiding place to avoid male harassments.  It is recommended to strip the female

in the early stages (after 7-8 days) otherwise she will lose most of the fry, these species known to be bad

holders. Any changes in water parameters can lead to breading break. The couple will spawn once a

month, every spawn will occur with one female chosen by the male.