Xenotilapia (Xenotilapia spilopterus)

Fish in the family Cichlidae. Hard care. Freshwater.

Quick facts

Scientific nameXenotilapia spilopterus

FamilyCichlidae

Also known asSpilopterus, Sand Sifter Xeno

Care levelHard

Reef safetyFreshwater

TemperamentSemi Aggressive

DietCarnivore

Adult size4 in

Minimum tank size55 gallons

Water parametersTemp 76-82°F, pH 8.0-9.0, GH 10-20 dGH

Appearance

Slender silvery sand-dweller with iridescent flecks; constantly sifts mouthfuls of sand for invertebrates.

Difficulty and care for the Xenotilapia

Hard

Origin and habitat

Lake Tanganyika, Africa

Keeper notes

Peaceful sand-sifting cichlid; sensitive to water quality and competition, so best in a species or gentle community group.

Log Xenotilapia 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 Xenotilapia alongside everything else in your reef.

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