This sand cichlid originates from Lake Tanganyika, where it is found almost all over the lake with the exception of the extreme south. Our animals are descendands from fish that were collected at Kigoma Bay; fully coloured males (unfortunately our quite young, 4-6 cm long animals do not show this yet) of this local variant are also called “rainbow callochromis” because they are so colourful. An invalid trade name for this form is “Callochromis greshakei”. The species becomes only rarely over 10 cm long and can therefore still be counted well among the dwarf cichlids. It inhabits shallow shore areas with sandy bottom and sprinkled stones. There, the animals live in big swarms. When in danger, these cichlids dig in itself – like a flounder – lying on the side. Only one eye remains uncovered by the sand. So the animal observes its surroundings, until the danger is past.
Callochromis pleurospilus are mouth breeders in the female sex. The females are silvery all their lives and have no markings in their fins.
For our customers: the animals have code 503562 on our stocklist. Please note that we only supply wholesalers.
Text & photos: Frank Schäfer
