Greenface sandsifter - Lethrinops furcifer

Scientific name: Lethrinops furcifer

Common name: Greenface sandsifter

Family: Cichlidae

Usual size in fish tanks: 16 - 19 cm (6.3 - 7.48 inch)

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Recommended pH range for the species: 7.5 - 8.5

Recommended water hardness (dGH): 10 - 18°N (178.57 - 321.43ppm)

0°C 32°F30°C 86°F

Recommended temperature: 23 - 27 °C (73.4 - 80.6°F)

The way how these fish reproduce: Spawning

Where the species comes from: Africa

Temperament to its own species: peaceful

Temperament toward other fish species: aggressive/territorial

Usual place in the tank: Middle levels

Food and feeding

Avoid high protein, meaty foods with this fish. Quality flakes or pellets should provide the staple diet. Brine shrimp and mysis can also be given but take great care not to over feed this fish.

Origin

Africa; this species is found in Lake Malawi.

Sexing

There are no physical differences between the sexes.

Breeding

Provide hiding places in the tank. One male should be added with several females. The males will dig pits in the substrate and the eggs will be laid at the side of these. Female sand dwellers are quite delicate, because of this it may be better to remove the male while she is mouth brooding. When the fry are released, they can be fed on newly hatched brine shrimp or crushed flake.

Lifespan

The expected life span for Greenface sandsifter is 15 years.

Short description

Lethrinops are a very peaceful species of Malawi cichlid; do not put them in a tank with the more aggressive fish. They are bottom dwellers and will feed from there. Add rock work to the tank to provide hiding places.