Dogtooth Cichlid (Cynotilapia afra) - Live tropical fish for sale UK

Cynotilapia afra

Dogtooth Cichlid (Cynotilapia afra)

Moderate Care
Aggressive
£9.99£15.99In Stock
Size

A colourful and active Lake Malawi mbuna. Available now with live arrival guarantee and fast UK delivery.

AggressiveCichlidaeFishLake malawi cichlidLake Tanganyika CichlidsLive FishModerate Caresite:tropical-fish-co

Care at a Glance

Scientific Name
Cynotilapia afra
Adult Size
10 cm
Lifespan
8 years
Care Level
Moderate
Temperament
Aggressive
Temperature
24–28°C
pH Range
7.5–8.5
Hardness
10–20 dGH
Minimum Tank
150L
Diet
Omnivore; spirulina flakes, cichlid pellets

Water Parameters

Maintain these water conditions for optimal health and vibrant colors

Temperature
24–28°C
24°CIdeal Range28°C
pH Level
7.5–8.5
7.5Ideal Range8.5
Water Hardness
10–20 dGH
10 dGHIdeal Range20 dGH

The Dogtooth Cichlid (Cynotilapia afra) is a colourful and active lake malawi mbuna. Originating from Africa (Lake Malawi), this aggressive species is rated as moderate care level and can live up to 8 years with proper husbandry.

Care at a Glance

Scientific Name Cynotilapia afra
Family Cichlidae
Origin Africa (Lake Malawi)
Care Level moderate
Temperament aggressive
Adult Size 10 cm
Minimum Tank Size 150 litres
Temperature 24–28°C
pH Range 7.5–8.5
Water Hardness 10–20 dGH
Diet Omnivore; spirulina flakes, cichlid pellets
Lifespan 8 years
Tank Region middle
Group Size 1 male with 3-4 females

Origin & Natural Habitat

The Dogtooth Cichlid hails from Africa (Lake Malawi). Cynotilapia afra comes in many colour morphs including Jalo Reef, Chimate White, and Red Dorsal. Typical mbuna aggression; overstock to spread aggression.

Tank Setup & Water Parameters

Provide a minimum of 150 litres for your Dogtooth Cichlid. Adults reach approximately 10 cm, so plan accordingly. Maintain water temperature between 24–28°C with a pH of 7.5–8.5 and hardness of 10–20 dGH. This species primarily occupies the middle region of the aquarium. Recommended group size: 1 male with 3-4 females.

Feeding Guide

The Dogtooth Cichlid is an omnivore. Omnivore; spirulina flakes, cichlid pellets. Feed small portions twice daily for optimal health and colouration.

Compatible Tank Mates

Good companions for the Dogtooth Cichlid include Other Malawi mbuna, Synodontis. Avoid housing with Peaceful fish, Shrimp. You might also consider species such as Cichlid Lake Malawi Afra Cynotilapia Chimate, Lwanda Peacock Cichlid, Albino Golden Mbuna Cichlid from our collection.

Why Buy from Tropical Fish Co?

At Tropical Fish Co, every fish is carefully selected and shipped with care across the UK. We offer live arrival guarantee, expert advice, and competitive prices. Order your Dogtooth Cichlid today and enjoy next-day delivery to your door.

How your fish gets to you

Dispatched Tuesday, delivered Wednesday — every order tracked and insured.

  • Dispatched on Tuesdays by a UK courier legally licensed to carry live animals. You’ll get a tracking number on dispatch morning and live updates through the afternoon.
  • Hand-packed in an insulated poly box with oxygen bags and (Oct–Apr) 40-hour heat packs. £20 flat rate covers any number of fish.
  • Covered by our Live Arrival Guarantee. Tell us the same day your fish arrive with a short unboxing video — replacement or refund, no arguments. Why we need a video
  • You need to be home.Live fish cannot be left on doorsteps or with neighbours — it kills them. Please only order for days when someone will be in to sign.
Read the full delivery & guarantee story