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Otopharynx lithobates belongs to the Happies group
of Lake Malawi and is a typical Hap. It may grow to 15 cm in the
aquarium (females up to 13 cm). Clear sexual dichromatism. The male
(see photo) has a blue coloration while the female has a beige color. The fish needs a large tank (180 cm
recommended). The
addition of rocks in the tank is essential since this species is a
cave dweller (and usually spawner, too). Rock piles creating caves
large enough to house it should be constructed. Following spawning
the mouthbrooding mother will choose a cave and carry its fry. Sand is
also a useful substrate. The fish is quite mild (for an African) and
should be housed with species of the same temperament. The fish will accept almost any food
commercially available (in nature it will eat almost everything that
they can find on the rocks). Variety is always a plus, while foods
containing animal fat are to be avoided. Feeding frozen foods from
time to time helps the fish to be in prime shape. Feeding every
other day is strongly advised, otherwise the fish may lose its shape
and become deeper than normal. Although not very territorial or
aggressive, keeping two males in a small tank is to be avoided.
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