Yellow Sand Cichlid - Xenotilapa Bathyphilus (Kekese) - (No Online Purchases)

Yellow Sand Cichlid – Xenotilapia bathyphilus “Kekese”

• Origin: Lake Tanganyika, Africa
• Adult size: Around 10–12 cm
• Temperament: Generally peaceful, but males can become territorial, particularly when breeding.
• Tank: A long aquarium with plenty of open floor space is preferred. Around 200 L+ is a good starting point for a group.
• Substrate: Fine sand is essential. They naturally sift sand through their mouths looking for food.
• Water temperature: 24–27°C
• pH: Approximately 8.5–9.3
• Diet: Carnivorous/micro-predator. Feed sinking pellets and small frozen foods such as brine shrimp, daphnia and cyclops.
• Behaviour: Active sand sifters that spend much of their time over the substrate. They are social and are best kept in a group.
• Breeding: Maternal mouthbrooder. The female carries the eggs and developing fry in her mouth for around 3 weeks.
• Tank mates: Best with other peaceful Lake Tanganyika species with similar water requirements.
• Difficulty: Intermediate – the correct sandy setup, stable alkaline water and good water quality are important.

The Kekese form is particularly attractive, with males developing stronger yellow and blue coloration. There is some taxonomic/trade-name confusion around X. bathyphilus and the “bathyphilus yellow” Kekese form, so fish sold under this name can refer to closely related/locality forms rather than a universally consistent taxonomic designation.