Coastal bays over sandy bottoms at depths of 3–15 m; also associated
with vegetated areas.
Typical adult size:
Males up to 23 cm total length; females about 16 cm total
length.
Recommended aquarium size:
An aquarium volume of 600 L with a minimum length of 200 cm is recommended.
Aquarium setup:
Provide a large sandy area with as much open sand as possible,
interrupted by several larger stones. Keep one male with two to
three females.
Diet:
Carnivorous; feeds mainly on invertebrates, insect larvae, and
crustaceans. It digs into the sand and filters edible items from it.
Breeding:
A territorial male secures a breeding territory shortly before
spawning and leads a receptive female to a spawning site, usually
a shallow saucer-shaped pit dug in the sand, although a flat stone
may also be used. Eggs are collected by the female immediately and
fertilized inside her mouth.
Aggression:
Peaceful and best maintained with other calm species; due to its
size it may also be housed with peaceful predatory cichlids.
Special notes:
Reported as infrequent in the southern part of the lake. At Cape
Maclear it has been observed accompanied by Cyrtocara moorii.
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