Our Guide To Keeping Sand Diver Cichlid
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About Fish Species:
- Scientific name: Fossorochromis rostratus
- Common name: Sand Diver Cichlid
- Family: Cichlidae
- Origin: Lake Malawi, Africa
- Adult length: Up to 30 cm (12 inches)
- Lifespan: 8 to 10 years
- Diet: Carnivore
- Care Level: Moderate
- Temperament: Semi-aggressive
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Tank Setup:
- Sand Diver Cichlids require a spacious aquarium due to their active swimming behavior. A minimum tank size of 500L is recommended for a small group.
- Use a sandy substrate, as they naturally sift through sand while searching for food.
- Provide rock formations and caves to mimic their natural habitat and create hiding spots.
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Water Parameters:
- Maintain a pH range of 7.8 to 8.6, as they thrive in alkaline water conditions.
- Keep the water temperature between 24 to 28°C (75 to 82°F).
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Filtration and Water Flow:
- A powerful filtration system is required to maintain high water quality, as they produce a considerable bioload.
- Moderate water movement is recommended to simulate their natural lake environment.
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Diet:
- Sand Diver Cichlids are carnivorous and should be fed a protein-rich diet.
- Provide high-quality cichlid pellets along with live or frozen foods such as bloodworms, brine shrimp, and mysis shrimp.
- Avoid feeding them mammalian meats, as these can cause digestive issues.
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Tank mates:
- Compatible with other large, semi-aggressive African cichlids.
- Avoid keeping them with much smaller fish, as they may prey on them.
- Do not house them with overly aggressive species that could stress or injure them.
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Behavior and Compatibility:
- Sand Diver Cichlids are highly active swimmers and require open swimming space.
- Males can become territorial, particularly during breeding, so ensure adequate tank size and hiding spots.
- They exhibit fascinating sand-sifting behavior, an adaptation that allows them to search for food in their natural habitat.
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