Common Name: Ventralis Featherfin Cichlid “White Kibongo”
Scientific Name: Ophthalmotilapia ventralis
The Ventralis Featherfin Cichlid “White Kibongo” is a wild-caught locality form of the ventralis featherfin from Lake Tanganyika. Ventralis featherfins are elegant Tanganyikan cichlids with a streamlined body. Males develop long, trailing pelvic fins and bright, shimmering color, while females are plainer and silvery. Like many Lake Tanganyika cichlids, it has a distinctive shape and fascinating behavior that make it a favorite with African cichlid keepers.
Habitat and Distribution:
Ophthalmotilapia ventralis is native to Lake Tanganyika in East Africa, where it lives over rocky areas. Lake Tanganyika is one of the largest and deepest lakes in the world, and its water is warm, hard and alkaline, with very stable conditions.
Size and Lifespan:
It reaches about 6 inches (15 cm). Lifespan in captivity is not well documented for this species, but with good care it can be expected to live for many years.
Diet and Behavior:
It is omnivorous and picks algae and small invertebrates from rocks in the wild. In the aquarium, offer small sinking pellets, frozen mysis and brine shrimp, and spirulina. Males are territorial, so keep one male with several females. Feed a varied diet and remove uneaten food promptly to protect water quality.
Breeding and Reproduction:
Ophthalmotilapia are maternal mouthbrooders. Males build and defend a spawning site, often on a rock or in the sand, and females carry the eggs and fry in their mouths for several weeks.
Aquarium Care and Tank Requirements:
A tank of at least 75 gallons is recommended. The aquarium should include plenty of rockwork with caves and crevices, a sand substrate and efficient filtration. Stable, hard, alkaline water is important, and regular water changes help keep nitrate low. The water temperature should be kept between 75-81°F (24-27°C), with a pH of 7.8-9.0 and moderately hard to hard water. New arrivals should be acclimated slowly.
Ideal Tank Mates:
Good tank mates include other peaceful Tanganyikan cichlids, such as Cyprichromis, Julidochromis and Neolamprologus species, and cuckoo catfish. As with any aquarium, introduce new fish carefully and watch for signs of stress or aggression.
Difficulty Level:
Intermediate. It needs stable, hard, alkaline water. It is well suited to aquarists with some experience who can maintain stable water conditions.
Water Parameters:
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Temperature: 75-81°F (24-27°C)
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pH: 7.8-9.0
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General Hardness (GH): 12-20 dGH
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Carbonate Hardness (KH): 10-18 dKH
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Ammonia: 0 ppm
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Nitrite: 0 ppm
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Nitrate: <20 ppm (regular water changes required)
Additional Information:
- Males display their long pelvic fins and brightest colors when courting females.
- Keep one male with several females.
- Fun fact: The male’s long pelvic fins have yellowish tips that resemble eggs, which play a role in spawning.
The Ventralis Featherfin Cichlid “White Kibongo” is an elegant Tanganyikan cichlid for rock-and-sand aquariums. With the right setup and care, it will be a rewarding addition for many years.
