Sand-sifting Xenotilapia
Xenotilapia spilopterus
Cichlidae
About
The sand-sifting Xenotilapia is a slender, peaceful cichlid endemic to the sandy intermediate zones of Lake Tanganyika, where it lives in loose colonies gliding just above the open lake floor. Reaching only about ten centimetres, it feeds by taking mouthfuls of fine sand and sieving out insect larvae and tiny invertebrates through its gills, so a broad expanse of soft sand is not decoration but a necessity. It is gentle toward tankmates and best kept as a group, though forming pairs will briefly defend a small patch of sand when breeding. A biparental mouthbrooder that is notably sensitive to poor water quality, it rewards attentive care with fascinating natural foraging behaviour.
Care
Keep a colony of six or more in a long tank of 250 L or larger with a deep, open floor of fine sand and hard, alkaline water at pH 8.2-8.7. Provide gentle flow, pristine water and stable temperature; pair only with other calm, similarly sized species and never with boisterous or aggressive cichlids.
Diet
Micro-carnivorous sand-sifter of insect larvae and small invertebrates. Feed small, frequent portions of frozen and live cyclops, daphnia, baby brine shrimp and fine bloodworm plus a sinking micro-pellet.
Tankmate compatibility
Gets along with (18)
Possible with care (105)
Avoid (148)
Computed by the AquaSage engine for a spacious reference tank — always check the full verdict for your exact setup in the calculator.
Telling males from females
What works for this species, most reliable first.
- Extended finsStrong · from about 8 months, and later in a suppressed male
On many cichlids and killifish the male's dorsal and anal fins draw out into trailing points as he matures, while the female's stay rounded.
- VentingA hint only · only on a mature fish, easiest when she is in breeding condition
The method breeders use when the answer has to be right. Hold the fish upside down in a wet hand or soft net and look at the two openings ahead of the anal fin. The forward one is the anus; the one behind it is what you are reading.
- Adult sizeA hint only · only across animals of the same age
In many cichlids, catfish and loaches one sex simply grows larger — usually the male, though there are well-known reversals.
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Frequently asked questions
- What tank size does a Sand-sifting Xenotilapia need?
- A Sand-sifting Xenotilapia needs an aquarium of at least 250 litres (66 US gallons) with a footprint at least 120 cm (47.2 in) long — for this species, swimming length matters as much as raw volume.
- What water parameters does a Sand-sifting Xenotilapia need?
- Sand-sifting Xenotilapia does best at 23–27 °C (73.4–80.6 °F), pH 7.8–9 and a general hardness of 8–22 °dGH.
- What group size does a Sand-sifting Xenotilapia need?
- Sand-sifting Xenotilapia is a social species — keep a group of at least 6 so natural behaviour emerges and stress stays low.
- Is the Sand-sifting Xenotilapia suitable for beginners?
- Sand-sifting Xenotilapia is a demanding species best attempted with some experience — it needs stable, closely watched conditions to thrive.