Xenotilapia sp. "Kilesa"

Remarks:  Xenotilapia sp. "Kilesa" are a very rare species of Tanganyikan cichlid found on the western side of the lake. They aren't a very large species, with a long face used for sifting sand and a cigar-shaped body, they patrol the sandy bottom. While they are omnivores, they lean more toward being carnivores so they feed mostly on meaty foods such as tiny crustaceans and worms. Juveniles and females are silver in color while mature males show much more fantastic coloration. If in the right conditions, males display metallic blue scales on their bodies, an iridescent green sheen on their faces, yellow lips, black pectoral and anal fins, and a blue dorsal fin dotted with yellow spots. This coloration is absolutely beautiful and pairs well with the fascinating displays males put on to get the attention of females.

  In the aquarium, Xenotilapia sp. "Kilesa" are not the easiest Tanganyikan to care for. They do not tolerate poor water quality at all, are very skittish, and require a lot more space than one would expect such a small species would require. This is because males command large territories as they build multiple spawning pits that can span 2 feet in diameter. A tank with a footprint of at least 48" by 18," equivalent to that of a standard 75 gallon, should be considered the minimum. Xenotilapia sp. "Kilesa" also do best when kept in groups of 6 or more, preferably in a ratio of 2 males to 4 females. While males can be pretty feisty, their fights rarely become physical and they usually ignore other species that do not dwell on the bottom like they do. This makes them excellent tank mates for Cyprichromis species, though their interesting behaviors and eye-catching colors also make them a great choice for a species only tank.

  Due to the sensitive nature of these fish, DOA claims will only be honored if the fish are in their sealed bags. No exceptions will be made for losses that occur after opening the bags.