Southern Mouthbrooder (Pseudocrenilabrus philander)

Fish in the family Cichlidae. Easy care. Freshwater.

Quick facts

Scientific namePseudocrenilabrus philander

FamilyCichlidae

Also known asPhilander, Dwarf Copper Mouthbrooder, Southern Mouthbrooder Cichlid

Care levelEasy

Reef safetyFreshwater

TemperamentSemi Aggressive

DietOmnivore

Adult size4 in

Minimum tank size20 gallons

Water parametersTemp 68-80°F, pH 6.5-8.0, GH 5-18 dGH

Appearance

Compact mouthbrooder; breeding males glow with iridescent blue-copper flanks and a striking red-orange anal-fin blotch, while females stay drab silver.

Difficulty and care for the Southern Mouthbrooder

Easy

Origin and habitat

Southern/Central Africa (Zambezi, Congo basins)

Keeper notes

Maternal mouthbrooder; males are feisty displayers and can harass females, so keep a harem. Manageable aggression due to small size.

Log Southern Mouthbrooder in your reef tank

Reef Trak gives you the full record on every species in your tank: acquisition date, source, photos, parameters at time of stocking, and links to maintenance and feeding events. Track Southern Mouthbrooder alongside everything else in your reef.

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