Name: Utinta Black-Chinned Xenotilapia (Enantiopus melanogenys utinta)
Brand: Tropical Fish Co
SKU: N803
Availability: OutOfStock

Question 1

Where can I buy Utinta Black-Chinned Xenotilapia for sale in the UK?

Accepted Answer

Buy Utinta Black-Chinned Xenotilapia online from Tropical Fish Co for UK delivery. This Tanganyika cichlid reaches 15 cm, suits 200L+ aquariums, and is best kept in groups of 6+ with sand and hard water.

Question 2

Can I order Utinta Black-Chinned Xenotilapia with home delivery in the UK?

Accepted Answer

Yes, UK home delivery is suitable for this freshwater cichlid when the tank is ready first. Keep water at 24-27°C, pH 7.8-9.0, and hardness 10-25 dGH before acclimating your new fish.

Question 3

How much space does Utinta Black-Chinned Xenotilapia need in an aquarium?

Accepted Answer

A minimum of 200 litres is recommended for this sand-sifting cichlid. The species grows to 15 cm, lives best in a group of 6+, and needs deep fine sand plus open bottom space.

Question 4

What water temperature do Utinta Black-Chinned Xenotilapia need?

Accepted Answer

Keep this Tanganyika cichlid at 24-27°C for stable health and colour. Temperatures outside that range can reduce feeding and breeding activity, especially in groups of 6+ on fine sand.

Question 5

What pH and hardness suit Utinta Black-Chinned Xenotilapia best?

Accepted Answer

They prefer alkaline water: pH 7.8-9.0 and hardness 10-25 dGH. These lake conditions support normal behaviour, strong colour, and long-term health in a mature freshwater aquarium.

Question 6

What should Utinta Black-Chinned Xenotilapia eat in captivity?

Accepted Answer

Feed frozen brine shrimp, cyclops, and fine sinking pellets. This omnivore is a bottom feeder, so offer small portions and avoid large floating foods that get ignored.

Question 7

Can Utinta Black-Chinned Xenotilapia live with other Tanganyika cichlids?

Accepted Answer

Yes, it can live with other similar-sized Tanganyika cichlids and Synodontis petricola. Avoid Malawi cichlids, shrimp, and small fish, which may be stressed or eaten.

Question 8

Are Utinta Black-Chinned Xenotilapia peaceful enough for a community tank?

Accepted Answer

They are peaceful for a cichlid, but not a general community fish. Keep them with compatible Tanganyika species in a 200L+ setup; small fish and shrimp are poor tank mates.

Question 9

How many Utinta Black-Chinned Xenotilapia should I keep together?

Accepted Answer

Keep a group of 6 or more to reduce stress and encourage natural behaviour. Males display best in groups, especially in a spacious Tanganyika aquarium with fine sand.

Question 10

How do I set up a tank for Utinta Black-Chinned Xenotilapia?

Accepted Answer

Use deep fine sand, open swimming space, and strong filtration in a 200L+ tank. This sand-sifter needs stable alkaline water and a calm layout that supports bottom feeding.

Question 11

How difficult is it to breed Utinta Black-Chinned Xenotilapia?

Accepted Answer

Breeding is moderate, not difficult for experienced Tanganyika keepers. Males show strong colours, and the species is a mouthbrooder, so provide sand, space, and stable water.

Question 12

What do Utinta Black-Chinned Xenotilapia fry need after breeding?

Accepted Answer

Fry need very small live or frozen foods and clean, stable water. As a mouthbrooding cichlid, the female protects the young first, so avoid aggressive tank mates during breeding.

Question 13

Why is Utinta Black-Chinned Xenotilapia called a sand-sifting cichlid?

Accepted Answer

It naturally sifts fine sand for food, which is why substrate choice matters. A deep sand bed helps this 15 cm Tanganyika cichlid feed, display, and behave normally.

Question 14

How long do Utinta Black-Chinned Xenotilapia usually live in aquariums?

Accepted Answer

With good care, they can live around 8 years. Stable pH, warm water, and a proper group size help this freshwater cichlid stay healthy for the long term.

Listed identity	Enantiopus melanogenys 'Utinta'
Adult size	Males about 15cm
Minimum aquarium	300 litres or larger with a wide footprint
Water	24-27°C, pH 7.8-9.0, hard alkaline water
Diet	Small meaty foods, fine sinking pellets and crustacean foods
Temperament	Peaceful, best in a group

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Utinta Black-Chinned Xenotilapia (Enantiopus melanogenys utinta)

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