Rostratus
Fossorochromis rostratus
Cichlidae
About
The rostratus, or Malawi sand diver, is one of the largest haplochromine cichlids of Lake Malawi, reaching around 25 to 28 cm as it cruises the open sandy floors off shallow beaches. It is a dedicated sand-sifter that takes mouthfuls of substrate and strains out buried invertebrates, so it needs a broad, uncluttered sand bed to behave naturally. Unusually calm and non-confrontational for its size, it is a fine centrepiece for a spacious hard-water tank, though it grows large and swims constantly, demanding real length and volume rather than height.
Care
Keep one male with several females in a long, open tank of 450 L or more (180 cm ideal) with a deep, soft sand bed for natural sifting, plenty of swimming room, and hard, alkaline water at pH 7.8-8.4. Peaceful for its size but active; avoid pairing with nippy or highly aggressive mbuna.
Diet
Sand-sifting omnivore that strains buried invertebrates from the substrate. Feed cichlid pellets plus frozen mysis, brine shrimp and bloodworm, and keep a soft sand bed so it can forage properly.
Tankmate compatibility
Avoid (121)
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