Sulphur-Crested Cichlid - Otopharynx lithobates

The Sulphur-Crested Cichlid, also referred to as the Sulphur-Crested Lithobate, is a species of Haplochromis cichlid native to Lake Malawi in Africa. They're a highly sexually dimorphic species, with the males displaying bright blue bodies with bright yellow on the heads and find. Females are much more drab with mostly shades of grays and slate blues. They take their name from the yellow crest on the heads of mature males, which is similar in color to elemental sulfur.            

Care

Sulphur-Crested Cichlids grow to a size of 6", and are less aggressive than some other African cichlids. They generally thrive in hard water conditions, and should be supplied with African cichlid calcium carbonate based sand that will help buffer the water. It's also important to decorate the tank with plenty of rockwork to provide individual territories and hiding spots. As a mouth brooding species, they're generally very easy to breed in decent conditions. The female will hold the eggs and fry in her mouth until they're ready to fend for themselves, then release them into the tank where they'll hide from the often cannibalistic adults. They should generally be kept with other species of haps, and may be bullied if kept with the more aggressive mbuna cichlids.        

Diet

Sulphur-Crested Cichlids will readily accept most prepared foods, especially custom blended African Cichlid blends.