F1 Lethrinops albus 'Kande Island'

Lethrinops albus 'Kande Island'

 Lethrinops albus, originating from Kande Island in Lake Malawi, is an awe-inspiring fish renowned for its striking appearance and peaceful demeanor. Best suited for a species-only tank, these cichlids showcase remarkable colors when conditions are optimal. Males display vibrant hues of green, blue, orange, gold, and a distinct red forehead, especially in the presence of females. Known for their docile nature, Lethrinops albus are ideal for aquarists seeking a harmonious community.

Behavior and Tank Requirements:
Lethrinops albus are notably peaceful and thrive in a spacious tank with open sand environments. They prefer minimal decorations and benefit from ample swimming space rather than numerous caves or dense vegetation. Provide minimal hiding spots and line-of-sight breaks with rocks and plants to create territories and reduce aggression. This setup allows males to establish territories and create beautiful spawning beds, while also providing females opportunities to escape during more aggressive breeding behavior.

Feeding Habits:
Similar to other sand-sifting cichlids, Lethrinops albus feed by filtering sand through their gills to extract microorganisms. They should be offered a varied diet that includes high-quality flakes, pellets, and occasional live or frozen foods such as brine shrimp or mysis shrimp to maintain optimal health and coloration.

Compatibility:
Due to their peaceful demeanor, avoid housing Lethrinops albus with aggressive or overly territorial tankmates. They coexist well with other docile species from Lake Malawi, ensuring similar size and temperament for compatibility. When setting up an all-male tank, mix with other timid and peaceful species like other Lethrinops, Placidochromis, and certain Aulonocara. Including multiple males of the same species is highly recommended to enhance color display and reduce aggression.

Tank Parameters:

• Native to: Kande Island, Lake Malawi, Africa

• Max adult size: Up to 6 inches

• Care skill: Intermediate to Experienced

• Temperature range: 74°F - 80°F

• pH range: 7.7 - 8.2

• GH range: 150 ppm - 300 ppm

• Minimum Tank Size: 75 gallons

Introduce Lethrinops albus from Kande Island to your aquarium and appreciate their peaceful nature, stunning colors, and unique feeding behavior in a spacious, species-specific setup.