Labeotropheus Ochre

Description

Collected from Chilumba Harbour off the coast of lake Malawi, these Trewavassae Ochre are a rare gem.

General Information & Care

The Labeotropheus Ochre Cichlid is a colorful, vibrant addition to your aquarium. This particular kind of Mbuna is easy to identify among other species by its unique, curved nose, which helps them to graze near rocks on the bottom that other fish simply cannot reach. The males of this species are fiery orange to red in color- while the often a solid orange hue. These African Cichlids are captive bred- raised in a controlled habitat- which makes them broadly available for aquarists. The temperament of this particular type of Cichlid is considered to be aggressive- so keep this in mind when setting up a communal tank or habitat.

Additional Information & Care

Some other things to know about the Labeotropheus Ochre Cichlid, or ‘Ochre’, include:

• Size: A maximum size of 6” long, typically.
• Habitat: Ochre cichlids originate from Lake Malawi, Africa.
• Temperature: Warm water, from mid-70s to low 80s, Fahrenheit. Water pH should range 7.5-8.4.
• Pairings: Pair the Ochre Cichlids with Yellow Lab, Red Top Hongi, and Blue Cobalt Zebra, ideally, for compatible tank mates. Ochre is also compatible with these other Mbuna Cichlids, like Labeotropheus, Labidochromis, Iodotropheus, and Cynotilapia.
• Diet: Like many species, Ochres do well on a spirulina flake or vegetable diet.

Make sure to provide the Cichlids with enough substrate, like sand, and rocks in the habitat. Experts advise that you line the floor of the habitat with around 3” of substrate. Provide this species with plenty of room in a tank no smaller than 20 gallons and that has a cover. A tank of this size is best suited to no more than three or four Cichlids, and a 30-gallon aquarium can properly accommodate up to five of this smaller species.

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