Limnochromis Auritus 10cm

Limnochromis Auritus
 

Limnochromis auritus is a unique, deep-water cichlid from Lake Tanganyika. Fish from this lake has a really big dedicated fanbase in the aquarium hobby as Tanganyikan fish tend to offer a lot more physical variation compared to other African lakes. The Limnochromis auritus or spangled cichlid looks and behaves quite similar to South American geophagus cichlids whilst offering their flare with colours and body shape. These are also rarer fish in the African cichlid trade in Australia making them a great collectors species for cichlid keepers. 

The Limnochromis auritus reach around 13 cm and have an elongated body. The overall body shape is comparable to a Lake Malawi mbuna cichlid with colours similar to a South American green horse face cichlid. The body colour of the Limnochromis auritus ranges from grey to brown and even bronze. This tends to adapt to the overall environment and substrate colour however they will still carry the neon blue and green sparkling which is present from head to tail. They will also have a dark spot just behind the ear and also carry barring of this dark shade across the body as well. The underbelly of these cichlids tends to be white with just a minimal tinge of blue which contrasts the overall dark nature of this species.

Breeding the Limnochromis auritus is possible however there is not much documentation on this simple to these fish not being that commonly kept in aquariums. It is however known that they are mouth brooders, this means the male will entice the female to a secure area of the male's territory where she will lay eggs. The male will then fertilize the eggs which the female or male will then collect in their mouth to incubate, once the fry has hatched and has reached a size to where the parent can no longer keep them in their mouth, they will release the fry. 

Tank Recommendations for your Limnochromis auritus

The Limnochromis auritus will reach around 15 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 500 liters. 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 toward 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

Limnochromis auritus are semi-aggressive fish and will show aggression to bottom-dwelling species. These area fish that should ideally be kept in a species-only setting however should be okay with top-dwelling species or larger African cichlids.  Since these fish require a higher PH of around 8 the tank mates chosen should be adaptable to this.

Usually Compatible

Large Malawi cichlids, Malawi trout, 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 behavior and territorial disputes. 

Rarely Compatible

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

Feeding your Limnochromis auritus

Limnochromis auritus will take to aquarium foods very easily. They will take a wide range of pellets, flakes, and frozen foods. Giving them a varied diet, it 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 enhance the blues in this fish.