Sand Cichlid
Xenotilapia spiloptera
Sand Cichlid is a bottom-to-middle swimmer.
Save this fish or add it directly to one of your aquariums.
Quick facts
- Adult size
- ≤ 10 cm (≤ 3.9 in)
- Care level
- Intermediate
- Temperament
- Semi-Aggressive
- Swimming zone
- Bottom to middle swimmer
- Temperature
- 26–28 °C
- pH
- 7.5–8.5
- GH
- 7–11 dGH
- Diet
- Omnivore
- Lifespan
- up to 10 years
Care requirements
Care level: Intermediate.
Lifespan: up to 10 years.
Water parameters
Suitable water: temperature 26–28 °C, pH 7.5–8.5, GH 7–11 dGH.
Temperament and compatibility
Sand Cichlid needs careful companion choice because it can be territorial or semi-aggressive.
Swimming zone and behavior
This fish uses the lower to middle part of the aquarium, so leave enough open substrate area for movement and feeding.
Feeding
As an omnivore, Sand Cichlid should receive a varied diet rather than one repeated food type.
Make sure food reaches the substrate before faster fish take it.
Before adding this fish
- Choose other fish carefully around this temperament.
- Offer a varied diet suitable for an omnivorous bottom-dwelling fish.
Similar fish profiles
Use these profiles to compare fish with similar care level, size, temperature range, or swimming behavior.
FAQ
How large does Sand Cichlid get?
Sand Cichlid reaches ≤ 10 cm (≤ 3.9 in).
Is Sand Cichlid peaceful?
Sand Cichlid needs more careful companion choice because the temperament data points toward boundaries, space, or similar-sized fish.
What temperature is suitable for Sand Cichlid?
Keep it between 26 to 28 °C.