Ventralis Featherfin Cichlid

A stunning Tanganyikan cichlid that comes in over 20 colour forms, with long, yellow-tipped pelvic fins on males. Keep one form only, because they cross freely.

Check the scientific name when buying, as common names vary between sellers and countries.

Males are usually larger and brighter, often with longer fins. Females are often plainer.

Build plenty of rockwork with caves and broken sight lines, because this fish needs territories, and use a sandy bottom. Strong filtration matters, as these cichlids produce a lot of waste.

Bold, busy and full of character, with complex behaviour around territory and breeding.

Usually kept as one male with several females, so that no single female takes all the attention.

Males defend territories strongly, and rival males may fight.

Best with other African cichlids of a similar size and temperament that need the same hard, alkaline water. It is not suited to a soft-water community. It is likely to eat shrimp.

Fairly tolerant of different water, if it is clean and stable. Keep the temperature steady.

Check what your species eats in the wild, because grazers can get bloat on rich, meaty foods. A good cichlid pellet suits most.

Feed small amounts, and remove anything left after a few minutes.

A mouthbrooder. The female usually holds the eggs and young fry in her mouth for a few weeks, and releases free-swimming young. Give her cover, and avoid stressing her during this time.