Scientific name: Ophthalmotilapia ventralis Common name: Blue goldtip cichlid Family: Cichlidae Usual size in fish tanks: 14 - 15 cm (5.51 - 5.91 inch) 0 14 Recommended pH range for the species: 7.4 - 8 Recommended water hardness (dGH): 7 - 25°N (125 - 446.43ppm) 0°C 32°F 30°C 86°F Recommended temperature: 23 - 26 °C (73.4 - 78.8°F) The way how these fish reproduce: Spawning Where the species comes from: Africa Temperament to its own species: peaceful Temperament toward other fish species: peaceful Usual place in the tank: Middle levels Food and feeding Wild bred specimens may be fussy eaters but will accept the same diet as tank bred specimens once they have settled into the tank. Use a quality flake or pellets for the staple diet but vary this with regular meals of live or frozen foods. Origin Africa; Blue goldtip cichlids are endemic to Lake Tanganyika. Sexing Males are slightly larger than the females and display a brighter colouration. Breeding Blue goldtip cichlids are maternal mouth brooders. The female will hold the eggs for incubation and hatching, this can take up to 3 weeks before the fry are released. During the holding time the female will hide away and probably also refuse to eat. Once the fry are released they can be fed on newly hatched brine shrimp. Lifespan The expected life span for Ophthalmotilapia ventralis is 5-8 years. Short description Ophthalmotilapia ventralis require a lot of space in the tank so ensure that the rockwork is kept to the back and sides of the tank. They require high water quality and regular water changes are a must. Picture Bought by aqua-fish.net from jjphoto.dk.
