Blue Burundi Cichlid (Xenotilapia bathyphilus) – 3–6cm & XL Sizes

Blue Burundi Cichlid (Xenotilapia bathyphilus) is a graceful Lake Tanganyika cichlid associated with open sand rather than dense rock territories. It is a specialist group fish for keepers who can provide stable hard, alkaline water, a broad sand floor and calm companions. Current Shopify variants cover approximately 3–6 cm plus an XL supplier grade when available.

This is a much quieter cichlid than many mbuna, but “peaceful” does not mean suitable for any community aquarium. Its welfare depends on group structure, open floor space, low stress and water chemistry that genuinely suits Tanganyika fish.

What aquarium setup works best?

Use a long aquarium with fine sand across most of the floor. Keep rockwork restrained and positioned mainly around the ends or back so it provides visual shelter without taking away the open feeding zone. Strong biological filtration and good gas exchange are important, but avoid a current that continually drives the fish across the substrate.

Ammonia and nitrite must remain at zero. Prepare hard, alkaline water consistently rather than chasing pH with abrupt corrections. A stable value within the appropriate Tanganyika range is safer than repeated chemical swings.

How many should I keep?

This species is best appreciated in a small social group. Six or more is a useful practical direction where the aquarium is large enough, though the final number must reflect adult footprint, sex balance, filtration and tank mates. Buying more fish never compensates for insufficient floor space.

What should I feed them?

Offer a quality fine cichlid pellet as the prepared staple, supported with appropriately sized frozen foods such as cyclops, daphnia, Artemia and small mysis. Feed small portions across more than one area so shy fish are not excluded.

Which tank mates are suitable?

Choose calm Tanganyika species that share the same mineral-rich water and do not constantly invade the lower sand zone. Avoid aggressive mbuna, large predators, boisterous bottom cichlids and soft-water community fish. A shared African origin is not enough to establish compatibility.

Frequently asked questions

Is Blue Burundi Cichlid aggressive?

It is relatively peaceful for a cichlid, but it can still display social or breeding territoriality and can be badly stressed by more forceful fish.

Does it need sand?

Yes. Fine sand is central to the natural bottom-feeding and social behaviour associated with Xenotilapia.

Can I keep one fish alone?

A solitary fish is not the preferred long-term plan. This species is better kept in a properly sized social group.

Is it suitable with Malawi cichlids?

Not as a default. Malawi and Tanganyika fish can differ sharply in aggression, habitat use and feeding even when both prefer hard alkaline water.

What does one quantity buy?

One quantity buys one unsexed fish in the selected size grade. No pair or sex ratio is guaranteed.