Xenotilapia Kilesa

Here is another Tanganyikan that is so rare that we have to say the full name; apparently only common fish get common names. Though territorial, the fish are not large and do well with other African cichlids. These cichlids are maternal mouthbrooders, and the moms have distinct large mouths, for sifting sand as well as rearing young.

Quick Facts

Care Guide

Tank setup: Give them a fine sand bottom and plenty of open swimming space, with a few rocks along the back. Lake Malawi and Lake Tanganyika cichlids need hard, alkaline water; crushed coral or aragonite sand helps hold the pH up.

Feeding: Feed a quality small pellet or flake once or twice a day. They also enjoy frozen foods like brine shrimp.

Tankmates: They do best with other peaceful Tanganyikans such as cyprichromis, calvus, frontosa (when large enough) and synodontis catfish. Keep them in a group.

Good to know: Kilesa are sand sifters that need a wide, open sandy bottom and calm tankmates. Males dig spawning pits in the sand.