Cynotilapia Yellow Afra 4cm

Cynotilapia Yellow Afra

The Cynotilapia Yellow Afra, often known as the Yellow Afra Cichlid, is an incredibly vibrant and active species that adds colour and interest to any African cichlid aquarium. This is one of the smaller African cichlids and is classed as a Mbuna which tends to be more bottom-dwelling cichlids, their striking colours, interesting behaviour, and manageable size make them a popular choice for aquarists with a passion for African species. They will also thrive in a mixed African display system but will also look stunning in a large species-only colony. 

The Yellow Afra typically grows to a length of about 8-10 cm. Just like other Mbuna, these fish have a robust but rounder, more compact body shape when compared to other cichlids. The colours these fish have are especially contrasting with a deep blue body colour, the scales are rimmed with an almost neon blue which shimmers really well. They also sport around 6 just black, vertical stripes that start just after the gill plate and end at the ventral fin. For some additional contrast, these cichlids also develop a rusty yellow colour that looks like it was almost dusted onto the fish. This yellow is most preset around the face and leads into the back of the fish. 

Breeding the Yellow Afra Cichlid is a relatively hands-free process in the home aquarium. They are maternal mouthbrooders, meaning the females carry the fertilized eggs and eventually the fry in their mouths to protect them. Males tend to be much more vibrant than females and will also develop a pronounced nuchal hump, the black barring will be bolder than females as well. 

Tank Recommendations for your Cynotilapia Yellow Afra

The yellow afra cichlids will reach around 10 cm in length and can be quite territorial. They are however also fish that are found in colonies out in the wild so the ideal aquarium size to keep a group of 6 fish would be around 300 litres. Having an aquarium with a larger footprint instead of height will also be beneficial as this ensures enough usable space for these mostly bottom-dwelling fish.

Giving these fish a sandy substrate with an abundance of rock caves will ensure that they can establish territories and not display too much aggression to one another. They do also sift through the substrate in search of food which is why a soft, sandy substrate would be ideal. Having a Ph of 7.5-8.5 with a temperature of 24 - 26 degrees will be ideal.

Suitable Tank Buddies

Yellow Afra cichlids are generally peaceful but territorial fish. Their aggression is mostly directed towards the lower portions of the aquarium since these fish spend most of their time in the lower half of the tank. They can however be kept in a mixed species system with larger African cichlids.

Usually Compatible

Large Malawi cichlids, star sapphire cichlids, Mdoka white lips, and other large and mostly top to mid-water cichlids. 

Sometimes Compatible

Frontosa, Mbuna species, and mid to bottom-dwelling cichlids might result in aggressive behaviour and territorial disputes. 

Rarely Compatible

Aggressive African cichlid species like fuscodichromis and smaller species such as shell dwellers or Julidochromis. 

Feeding your Cynotilapia Yellow Afra

Yellow Afra cichlids will take to aquarium foods very easily. They will take a wide range of pellets, flakes, and frozen foods. Giving them a varied diet, ensures that they have optimal nutrition.  

The ideal diet would be good quality, small and slow food, supplemented with green matter like algae flakes or sheets. Feeding any foods with natural colour enhancers would also be great as this will really enhance the blues in this fish.