Enantiopus melanogenys

Enantiopus melanogenys is a slender, delicate sand-dwelling cichlid that was long placed in the genus Xenotilapia. In the lake it roams in large groups over wide sand flats, taking sand into its mouth and sifting it to pick up small invertebrates. Females and non-breeding males are a plain silvery color; males in breeding season, however, take on iridescent yellow and turquoise tones, dig wide pit nests in the sand and display to the females. Because it is a shy species, it should be kept in a calm aquarium and in a large group.

• At least 300 liters and a length of 150 cm for a group of 8–12; a large open sandy area is essential.
• Very fine, soft sand substrate; rocks only at the edges.
• pH 8–9, hard and stable water; a 25–30% water change every week.
• A calm environment and a lid; it flees quickly when startled.

It feeds by sifting small organisms from the sand. Fine-grained sinking granules, frozen cyclops, brine shrimp and mysis are suitable; food should be given so that it reaches the bottom.

Peaceful but very shy; among active, aggressive fish it cannot get its food and becomes stressed. The female is a mouthbrooder.

Good companions: Cyprichromis, Paracyprichromis, Xenotilapia species, calm shell-dwelling cichlids (in a separate corner).

Avoid: Tropheus, mbuna, large fish-eating cichlids, aggressive species that set up territories on the bottom, and shrimp.