Yellow Sand Cichlid (Xenotilapia flavipinnis)

Fish in the family Cichlidae. Hard care. Freshwater.

Quick facts

Scientific nameXenotilapia flavipinnis

FamilyCichlidae

Also known asFlavipinnis, Yellow Xeno

Care levelHard

Reef safetyFreshwater

TemperamentSemi Aggressive

DietCarnivore

Adult size3.5 in

Minimum tank size55 gallons

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

Appearance

Pale sand-colored body with a yellow dorsal flush and iridescent flecks; constantly sifts fine sand.

Difficulty and care for the Yellow Sand Cichlid

Hard

Origin and habitat

Lake Tanganyika, Africa

Keeper notes

Peaceful sand-sifting biparental mouthbrooder; very sensitive to water quality and competition.

Log Yellow Sand Cichlid 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 Yellow Sand Cichlid alongside everything else in your reef.

Download Reef Trak See the full app