Redspot Callochromis (Callochromis pleurospius) - Cichlid Fish for Sale UK

The Redspot Callochromis (Callochromis pleurospius) is a sand-loving Lake Tanganyika cichlid for the experienced Rift-lake keeper. Reaching around 4cm, it is a fish defined by its relationship with the substrate, sifting and working the open sandy floor in a way that is unmistakable once you have seen it.

This is a difficult-level species that demands exceptional, stable water quality. It thrives only in hard, strongly alkaline conditions and will not tolerate the swings a community tank often brings. As a bottom-dwelling carnivore and micro-predator it picks through fine sand for small foods, so an open sand bed is far more important to it than dense decor.

Semi-aggressive and capable of becoming territorial, it suits a carefully managed Tanganyikan aquarium where the keeper understands the water chemistry and stocking discipline these fish require.

Care requirements

• Adult size around 4cm; lifespan up to 8 years
• Temperature 24-28°C, pH 7.8-9.0, hardness 10-20 dGH
• Minimum 150-litre aquarium with an open sand substrate
• Carnivore and micro-predator - a substrate-sifting feeder
• Difficult care; semi-aggressive, bottom-region Tanganyikan sensitive to water quality

Everything about this species points back to its sand-dwelling lifestyle. Give it an open sand bed it can sift, hold the water in the demanding 24 to 28°C and pH 7.8 to 9.0 range it requires, and aim for the higher end of cleanliness - this is a difficult-care fish for a reason, and it will not forgive neglected water. The 150-litre minimum reflects both its activity and its need for stable conditions.

Feeding suits its role as a carnivore and micro-predator: small meaty live and frozen foods that it can pick from the substrate. Keep the bioload modest and maintenance tight, and you will be rewarded with a fish that shows the substrate-working behaviour that makes the sand-dwelling Tanganyikans so distinctive.

Stocking guidance

Best companions are other Lake Tanganyika cichlids of similar size and temperament, fellow sand-dwelling Tanganyikans, and robust Tanganyikan catfish of appropriate size. Avoid small community fish, highly aggressive territorial cichlids, fin-nipping species, soft-water fish and very small invertebrates. Shipped with a licensed live-animal courier under our live arrival guarantee. Establish its conditions before adding it, as a stable, mature tank suits this difficult species best.