Family: Cichlidae
Distribution: Chilotilapia rhoadesii, better known as Bream, is an African freshwater cichlid, distributed in Lake Malawi over muddy bottoms in both shallow and deep waters.
PH: 7.5 – 8.5
Temperature: 23°C – 28°C (73 – 82F)
Hardness: 8 – 15 dH
Description: This Lake Malawian cichlid can reach an impressive 22 cm in length. Adult males have a blue colouration on both their head and body, with a greyish base colour. The Bream’s mouth points downwards, which allows it to easily break open snail shells. It is therefore no surprise that Chilotilapia rhoadesii’s favourite food-type is the snail.
Diet: In the wild, Chilotilapia rhoadesii has a special affinity for snails. In the aquarium environment it will accept all types of food, but you should vary things up to keep this fish at optimum health. You might include live foods – snails, of course, are good – and good quality fish pellets, but make sure you don’t forget to feed it vegetables.
Breeding: Chilotilapia rhoadesii females are mouthbrooders. When attempting to breed this species should you combine a pair of males with a group of females to maximise your chances of successful breeding. The mother will release the fry after three weeks of mouthbrooding.
Comments: Chilotilapia rhoadesii will require plenty of hiding spaces and a tank size of at least 60 gallons. You should create rock formations and large caves in your aquarium, and make sure you have a very coarse substrate in place. You can put plants in your tank if you wish, as it is unlikely this species would attempt to munch on them. This species is very popular within the hobby and is suitable for beginners.
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Recommended Compatible Species: Chilotilapia rhoadesii should be housed with other non-aggressive Lake Malawian cichlids. Generally speaking, Lake Malawian cichlids do not make good community fish, so it may be a good idea to tank Bream in a one-species aquarium.
Originally posted 2010-01-05 20:28:35. Republished by Blog Post Promoter
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