Easy to intermediate
Chocolate Cherry Shrimp (Neocaridina davidi)
18–26°C · pH 6.5–8 · 30L
£13.99
Utinta Black-Chinned Xenotilapia is a refined Tanganyika sand cichlid for wide aquariums with fine sand and calm tank mates.
Adult size is the maximum length this species reaches at full maturity (scientific sources). The livestock you receive will be younger and smaller — pick a size variant above for the actual shipping size. Product-photo provenance and any image-specific limitations are stated on the listing.
Enantiopus melanogenys
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Utinta Black-Chinned Xenotilapia is a refined Tanganyika sand cichlid for wide aquariums with fine sand and calm tank mates.
Adult size is the maximum length this species reaches at full maturity (scientific sources). The livestock you receive will be younger and smaller — pick a size variant above for the actual shipping size. Product-photo provenance and any image-specific limitations are stated on the listing.
18–26°C · pH 6.5–8 · 30L
23–27°C · pH 7.4–8.4 · 1000L
20–24°C · pH 7–8 · 45L
24–28°C · pH 5.5–7 · 60L
Cichlids are one of the most diverse fish families in the hobby. From tiny apistogrammas to massive oscars, this guide covers the basics of keeping them well.
Maintain these water conditions for optimal health and vibrant colors
Utinta Black-Chinned Xenotilapia (Enantiopus melanogenys 'Utinta') is a graceful Lake Tanganyika sand cichlid. It is peaceful for a cichlid, but it is also specialist: it needs a wide fine-sand aquarium, stable hard alkaline water and calm tank mates that will not rush or bully it.
| 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 |
Give this fish open sand rather than a crowded rock pile. Keep a group, avoid boisterous mbuna or large predators, and use clean, oxygen-rich Tanganyika-style water. Males display best when they have room to build and defend sand territories.
Use as a first-time buyer. This live fish is packed for a licensed live-animal courier service and covered by the Tropical Fish Co Live Arrival Guarantee.
