Afra - Cynotilapia afra

Scientific name: Cynotilapia afra

Common name: Afra

Family: Cichlidae

Usual size in fish tanks: 9 - 12 cm (3.54 - 4.72 inch)

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Recommended pH range for the species: 7.5 - 8.9

Recommended water hardness (dGH): 10 - 25°N (178.57 - 446.43ppm)

0°C 32°F30°C 86°F

Recommended temperature: 22 - 27 °C (71.6 - 80.6°F)

The way how these fish reproduce: Spawning

Where the species comes from: Africa

Temperament to its own species: peaceful to females

Temperament toward other fish species: aggressive/territorial

Usual place in the tank: Middle levels

Overview

The Afra Cichlid (Cynotilapia afra), also known as the Dogtooth Cichlid, is a vibrant and dynamic species native to the rocky shores of Lake Malawi in Africa. These cichlids are renowned for their striking coloration and active behavior, making them a popular choice among cichlid enthusiasts. Afra Cichlids are relatively small, reaching a size of 9-12 cm (3.54 - 4.72 inches) in aquariums, and are known for their territorial nature, especially among males. They are best suited for experienced aquarists who can provide the specific tank conditions required to keep these cichlids healthy and thriving.

Habitat and Tank Setup

In their natural habitat, Afra Cichlids are found among the rocky shores of Lake Malawi, where they inhabit the crevices and caves formed by the rocky terrain. To replicate their natural environment in the aquarium, provide plenty of rocks and caves to create territories and hiding spots. A tank of at least 150 liters (40 gallons) is recommended, with a sandy substrate to mimic their natural surroundings. Ensure that the rocks. are securely placed to prevent collapses, as Afras are known to dig and rearrange the substrate.

Maintain a stable pH range between 7.5 and 8.9, as these cichlids prefer alkaline water. They thrive in hard water with a hardness level of 10-25°N (178.57 - 446.43 ppm). The ideal temperature range for Afra Cichlids is 22-27°C (71.6 - 80.6°F). A good filtration system is essential to maintain water quality and oxygenation, as these cichlids are sensitive to poor water conditions. To further replicate their natural habitat, use strong lighting to encourage algae growth on the rocks, which can serve as a natural food source for the cichlids.

Diet and Feeding

Afra Cichlids are omnivorous, with a diet that includes both plant and animal matter. In the wild, males primarily feed on algae that grow on rocks, while females tend to feed on plankton in open waters. In the aquarium, provide a varied diet that includes high-quality flake foods and pellets, particularly those formulated for African cichlids and containing spirulina. Supplement their diet with occasional feedings of live or frozen foods such as brine shrimp and daphnia. To prevent digestive issues, avoid feeding them high-protein or fatty foods, such as bloodworms or beef heart.

Feed them small amounts once or twice daily, ensuring that they consume all the food within a few minutes to prevent overfeeding and maintain water quality. A varied diet not only promotes vibrant coloration but also supports their overall health and well-being.

Behavior and Compatibility

Afra Cichlids are known for their territorial and sometimes aggressive behavior, particularly among males. Males establish and defend territories, often around a large rock or cave, where they graze on algae and display vibrant colors to attract females. They are best kept in species-specific tanks or with other similarly sized, aggressive cichlids from Lake Malawi, such as other Mbuna species. Avoid housing them with more peaceful fish, as the Afras' aggressive nature can lead to stress and harm to less assertive tankmates.

To reduce aggression, keep Afras in groups with a ratio of one male to several females. Providing plenty of hiding spots and visual barriers, such as rocks and plants, can help diffuse aggression and create a more balanced social structure within the tank. Overcrowding the tank can also help reduce aggression by preventing any single fish from establishing a dominant territory. However, ensure that the filtration system can handle the increased bioload associated with a densely stocked aquarium.

Sexing

Sexing Afra Cichlids is relatively straightforward. Males are more colorful, displaying vertical stripes down each side and "dummy egg spots" on their anal fins, which are used during breeding. In contrast, females are lighter in color and lack the prominent vertical stripes. Males also tend to have a more elongated and streamlined body shape compared to the females.

Breeding

Afra Cichlids are maternal mouthbrooders, meaning the female carries and protects the eggs and fry in her mouth. During spawning, the male will display intense coloration and court the female, leading her to a flat surface where the female lays her eggs. After fertilization, the female picks up the eggs into her mouth, where they incubate for approximately three weeks. During this time, the female may hide or become less active as she protects the developing fry.

After the incubation period, the female releases the free-swimming fry into the tank. Due to the smaller broods typical of Afras, it is essential to provide plenty of hiding places in the tank to protect the fry from potential predators, including the parents and other tankmates. To maximize fry survival, consider transferring the female to a separate breeding tank until the fry are large enough to fend for themselves. Feed the fry newly hatched brine shrimp or finely crushed flake food to support their growth.

Lifespan

Afra Cichlids have a lifespan of 7 to 10 years with proper care. Providing a well-maintained aquarium with suitable water conditions, a balanced diet, and a stable social environment can help ensure that these cichlids live a full and healthy life.

Short Description

The Afra Cichlid (Cynotilapia afra) is a colorful and dynamic Mbuna species native to Lake Malawi. Known for their territorial behavior and vibrant coloration, they are a favorite among cichlid enthusiasts. Afra Cichlids thrive in rocky aquariums with plenty of hiding places and require an alkaline environment with hard water to mimic their natural habitat. While they are relatively small, they can be aggressive, especially among males, so careful consideration of tankmates and tank setup is essential. Their striking appearance and intriguing behavior make them a rewarding species for experienced aquarists.

Questions and Answers

• Can Afra Cichlids be kept with other cichlids?

  Yes, Afra Cichlids can be kept with other similarly sized and aggressive cichlids from Lake Malawi, such as other Mbuna species. Avoid housing them with peaceful or smaller fish, as they may exhibit aggressive behavior toward less assertive tankmates.

• What is the ideal tank size for Afra Cichlids?

  A minimum tank size of 150 liters (40 gallons) is recommended for Afra Cichlids. Providing ample space and plenty of rocks and hiding places is crucial to accommodate their territorial nature and reduce aggression.

• How often should I feed Afra Cichlids?

  Feed Afra Cichlids once or twice daily with small amounts of food that they can consume within a few minutes. A varied diet of high-quality flake foods, pellets, and occasional live or frozen foods will help maintain their health and vibrant coloration.

• Do Afra Cichlids need a specific water condition?

  Yes, Afra Cichlids require alkaline water with a pH range of 7.5 to 8.9 and hard water with a hardness level of 10-25°N (178.57 - 446.43 ppm). They thrive in temperatures between 22-27°C (71.6 - 80.6°F).

Suggested Tank Plants

While Afra Cichlids are not known for being plant-friendly, adding hardy, tough-leaved plants can enhance the tank's appearance and provide additional hiding spots. Suitable plants include Anubias, Java Fern, and Cryptocoryne Wendtii. These plants can be attached to rocks or driftwood, as Afras may dig up plants rooted in the substrate. Keep in mind that plant survival is not guaranteed, as some cichlids may uproot or nibble on the foliage.

Sources

Aquarium Fishes of the World by Dr. Herbert R. Axelrod, Dr. Warren E. Burgess, Neal Pronek, Glen S. Axelrod, David E. Boruchowitz