{"product_id":"otopharynx-tetrastigma-otopharynx-tetrastigma","title":"Otopharynx tetrastigma | Otopharynx tetrastigma","description":"\u003ch2\u003eDescription\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOtopharynx tetrastigma is a neat, understated Lake Malawi hap named for the row of dark spots along its flanks, set against soft blue and gold tones. Reaching around 12–15 cm, it is one of the more docile haplochromines — a good-natured, easygoing pick for a mixed Malawi display. Its calm nature and modest size make it well suited to a community of peaceful Rift Lake cichlids.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eNatural Habitat\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThis species lives in Lake Malawi in East Africa, over intermediate rock-and-sand zones where it forages around shelter. The lake is hard, alkaline and extremely stable, so steady, mineral-rich water and plenty of rockwork are important for keeping it healthy and settled.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eAppearance\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA moderately elongated hap with a silvery to pale-blue body marked by several dark blotches or spots along the midline (the \"four-spot\" pattern its name refers to). Dominant males develop soft blue and gold sheens and darker markings, while females and subdominant males are plainer. Adults reach roughly 12–15 cm.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eTemperament and Compatibility\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eMore docile than most Malawi cichlids, it is generally peaceful outside of breeding, when males will defend a small territory. It mixes well with other calm haps and peacocks and non-cichlid companions such as Synodontis, but should not be housed with aggressive mbuna that will harass it.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eFeeding\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA carnivore with omnivorous leanings that takes small invertebrates in the wild. Feed a quality cichlid pellet or flake as the staple, supplemented with frozen mysis, brine shrimp and similar foods. Keep rich, mammalian-based foods to a minimum, as Malawi cichlids are prone to bloat.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eCare Requirements\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eProvide at least 200 litres (250 litres-plus for a community) with hard, alkaline water, a sandy substrate and rockwork for shelter and territory. Strong filtration and regular water changes maintain the clean, stable conditions these fish need. It is an intermediate species chiefly because of its water-chemistry and social requirements.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eBreeding\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eA maternal mouthbrooder: the female carries eggs and fry in her mouth for around three weeks after spawning before releasing free-swimming young. It breeds readily in a well-kept tank, and moving holding females to a separate tank gives the best fry survival.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSpecies Information\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eScientific Name\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eOtopharynx tetrastigma\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCommon Name\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTetrastigma Cichlid, Four-spot Hap\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eOrigin\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eLake Malawi, East Africa\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMaximum Size\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAround 12–15 cm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eLifespan\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e6–8 years\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTemperament\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eRelatively peaceful (territorial when breeding)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDifficulty\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eIntermediate\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMinimum Tank Size\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e200 litres\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eRecommended Tank Size\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e250 litres or larger\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDiet\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCarnivore (omnivore-leaning) – cichlid pellets, flake, frozen foods\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eWater Temperature\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e24–28 °C\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003epH Range\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e7.8–8.6\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eGH Range\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e10–25 dGH (hard)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSalinity\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNot applicable (freshwater)\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eSuitable For\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMixed Lake Malawi hap and peacock aquariums\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eReef Safe\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNot applicable\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePlant Safe\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMostly – may dig; tolerant of hardy plants like Anubias and Vallisneria\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eSuitable Tank Mates\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOther peaceful Malawi haps and peacocks (Aulonocara, Copadichromis, Placidochromis), and robust companions such as Synodontis catfish in a spacious rocky tank.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch2\u003eAvoid Keeping With\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eAggressive mbuna, boisterous large cichlids, soft-water community fish, and anything small enough to be eaten.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Nick's Aquarium Oceanarium Terrarium","offers":[{"title":"Small (1-5cm)","offer_id":55232781287715,"sku":null,"price":33.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Medium (5-10cm)","offer_id":55232781320483,"sku":"AA3558","price":38.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false},{"title":"Large (10-15cm)","offer_id":55232781353251,"sku":null,"price":43.95,"currency_code":"AUD","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0972\/7236\/5347\/files\/Otopharynx_tetrastigma_d53e0b13-a818-41dd-b05e-d15e33bd10c3.jpg?v=1781446570","url":"https:\/\/nicksaquariumoceanariumterrarium.com.au\/products\/otopharynx-tetrastigma-otopharynx-tetrastigma","provider":"Nicks Aquarium Oceanarium Terrarium","version":"1.0","type":"link"}