C. afra is easily confused with some species of Pseudotropheus, but can be distinguished by its smaller adult size and unicuspid (as opposed to bicuspid) teeth. Also in this species the black bars on the flanks continue into the dorsal fin, unlike in Pseudotropheus zebra, for example. It exists in many different colour forms in nature. These forms should not be mixed in aquaria as they may spawn with each other, producing unwanted hybrid fry. Despite this ability to interbreed, it's probabl…

This species is very similar in appearance to S. berdmorei which is native to India and Myanmar, and has been widely mislabelled under that name in older aquarium literature. The two can appear identical on first glance but there are some notable differences, most obviously possession of 9-10 branchedrays in S. beauforti vs. 11-14 in S. bermorei, and the fact that even young specimens of S. beauforti exhibit laterally-orientated rows of small, dark markings running across the …

One of the favourite Tanganyikan cichlids among hobbyists, this species occurs in several geographical morphs. Each of these further exists in both blue and yellow-tailed forms. They congregate in large shoals of several thousand in nature, preying on zooplankton.

In the hobby you may also see C. leptosoma sp. "Jumbo" for sale. These fish grow to the size quoted above, whilst the "true" leptosoma only reaches around 4" in length. Although it's likely we are deal…

This species is sometimes confused with Y. modesta though in reality the two are readily distinguishable from one another by body shape since Y. lecontei is a slimmer, more elongate fish.

Further, in Y. lecontei the overall body colouration is usually brownish with a gold/green sheen and the dark markings…

This species is one of the more commonly-encountered botiids in the hobby and is also sold as ‘blue’, ‘orange-finned’, or ‘red-finned’ botia/loach. It’s sometimes subject to artificial colouring with bright blue or purple dyes and we strongly recommend you do not purchase such fish (they’re illegal in several countries).

There are only two described species of Cyathopharynx, each with several colour forms. These should not be kept together in aquaria, as they can hybridise. They are among the most beautiful of all freshwater fish and are highly sought after in the hobby, although they are fairly delicate. The highest water quality is required for males to fully develop their stunning adult colouration, which happens when they are around 4" in length. This may take a good few months if you are buying young f…

Together with the recently erected genus Mchenga, Copadichromis species form an exclusive group of Malawian cichlids commonly referred to as "Utaka" (prounounced "ooh-taw-kuh"). They're specialised to a pelagic lifestyle, and can be found living in huge numbers throughout much of Lake Malawi. Some tend to remain in the proximity of underwater reefs or rocky shorelines, while others occur mainly in more featureless, sandy habitats. Here they face the oncoming current, usi…

Together with the recently erected genus Mchenga, Copadichromis species form an exclusive group of Malawian cichlids commonly referred to as "Utaka" (prounounced "ooh-taw-kuh"). They're specialised to a pelagic lifestyle, and can be found living in huge numbers throughout much of Lake Malawi. Some tend to remain in the proximity of underwater reefs or rocky shorelines, while others occur mainly in more featureless, sandy habitats. Here they face the oncoming current, us…

Together with the recently erected genus Mchenga, Copadichromis species form an exclusive group of Malawian cichlids commonly referred to as "Utaka" (prounounced "ooh-taw-kuh"). They're specialised to a pelagic lifestyle, and can be found living in huge numbers throughout much of Lake Malawi. Some tend to remain in the proximity of underwater reefs or rocky shorelines, while others occur mainly in more featureless, sandy habitats. Here they face the oncoming current, usi…

Together with the recently erected genus Mchenga, Copadichromis species form an exclusive group of Malawian cichlids commonly referred to as "Utaka" (prounounced "ooh-taw-kuh"). They're specialised to a pelagic lifestyle, and can be found living in huge numbers throughout much of Lake Malawi. Some tend to remain in the proximity of underwater reefs or rocky shorelines, while others occur mainly in more featureless, sandy habitats. Here they face the oncoming current, usi…