Scientific name: Fossorochromis rostratus

Common name: Rostratus

Family: Cichlidae

Usual size in fish tanks: 25 - 30 cm (9.84 - 11.81 inch)

014

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: 25 - 27 °C (77 - 80.6°F)

The way how these fish reproduce: Spawning

Where the species comes from: Africa

Temperament to its own species: aggressive/territorial

Temperament toward other fish species: aggressive/territorial

Usual place in the tank: Bottom levels

Food and feeding

When Fossorochromis rostratus are juveniles, feed them with quality flakes and spirulina flakes. As the fish mature, their staple diet can change to quality cichlid pellets with spirulina flake.

Origin

Africa; Fossorochromis rostratus are endemic to Lake Malawi.

Sexing

Fossorochromis rostratus can be a very difficult fish to sex as the lesser males tend to look like the females. The dominant male will display a lot more coloration than his counterparts.

Breeding

Flat surfaces should be provided for spawning sites, also add some hiding places for the female in case she gets harassed too much by the male. When spawning has taken place, the female will gather up the eggs into her mouth for brooding. When the hatched fry have been released by the parent they can be fed on cyclopeeze or newly hatched brine shrimp. The fry should be fast growing if fed correctly.

Lifespan

The expected life span for Fossorochromis rostratus is 5-8 years.

Short description

A sandy substrate should be provided for this fish, as once it has been startled it will bury itself at great speed. A very aggressive species to keep; this is definitely not a fish for beginners.The aquarium should not be smaller than 700 liters.