Otopharynx sp. ‘spots’
Otopharynx sp. “spots”: The abbreviation “sp.” stands for “species” and indicates that this is a species that has not yet been described, or a species that has not yet been formally named by scientists. The addition “spots” is an informal description that probably refers to a characteristic spot pattern on the fish’s body. In aquatics, this species is also referred to as Otopharynx sp. “Sani,” named after the location where it was found in Lake Malawi.
This species belongs to the family Cichlidae, or cichlids. This is a large family of ray-finned fish that live mainly in freshwater, including the large lakes of East Africa, such as Lake Malawi, where this species originates.
The genus name Otopharynx was described by Regan in 1920. The name is derived from the Greek “otos,” meaning “ear,” and “pharynx,” meaning “throat.” This name refers to the involvement of the prootic (a bone in the skull) in the articulation (connection) of the upper throat jaw in some specimens of O. auromarginatus.
Description
The informal name Otopharynx sp. “spots” refers to the presence of spots on the body of this fish. These spots run from above the eye, along the back, to the tail root. There are two rows, one against the dorsal fin and one just below it. These spots only disappear in dominant males that are fully colored. Young specimens and females are silver in color with dark spots on the flank. The edge of the dorsal fin is red in color.
Adult and dominant males undergo a spectacular color change. Their flanks turn a metallic green/blue. The edges of the scales on the flanks develop a red border. The back, belly, and tail fins develop red lines.
In terms of size, adult males typically reach a length of about 17 centimeters, while females remain slightly smaller with an average length of 13 centimeters.
Behavior and Temperament
Otopharynx sp. “spots” is known as a peaceful cichlid. They can coexist well with other peaceful cichlids, such as species from the genera Aulonocara, Copadichromis, and Scianochromis.
In the aquarium, we recommend keeping these fish in a group consisting of one male and two or three females.
Biotope
Otopharynx sp. “spots” is a cichlid that originates from Lake Malawi in East Africa. This specific species is found at the locations Chia, Nkhomo Reef, and Sani in Malawi, where they live in the transition zone of the lake. The transition zone is an area where different habitat types converge, often resulting in rich biodiversity.
Diet
Food in the Wild
In its natural habitat in Lake Malawi, Otopharynx sp. “spots” is a carnivore, or meat eater. This fish obtains its protein-rich food mainly from the bottom. It sifts through the bottom in search of small crayfish and other small animals. It also feeds mainly on zooplankton and microorganisms that float in the water or live on the substrate.
Food in the Aquarium
In an aquarium environment, Otopharynx sp. “spots” will accept most common commercial fish foods. However, it is important to choose foods with a high protein content in order to match the natural nutritional requirements of this carnivore.
In addition to dry food, it is advisable to regularly offer live food, such as artemia, daphnia, or mosquito larvae. Frozen food is also an excellent addition to the diet. Think of artemia, white, black, or red mosquito larvae. A varied diet with a good balance between commercial food, live food, and frozen food contributes to the health and vitality of this beautiful cichlid.
As an experienced aquarium owner, I enjoy delving deeper into the fascinating world of cichlids from Lake Malawi. Today we will discuss an interesting species, albeit one that has not yet been fully described scientifically: Otopharynx sp. “spots”. Let’s take a look at how we can successfully keep this beautiful fish in an aquarium.
The Aquarium
To house Otopharynx sp. “spots” in a suitable manner, an aquarium of at least 400 to 450 liters is recommended. The length of the aquarium should be at least 150 centimeters. This is sufficient for a harem setup, consisting of one male and two to three females. However, if you want to keep a larger group, for example three or four males with six to eight females, then an aquarium of at least 900 liters with a length of 200 centimeters or more is necessary. If you want to keep this species together with other fish, an aquarium of 600 liters or larger is recommended.
The aquarium setup should mimic the natural habitat of Otopharynx sp. “spots.” These fish come from the transition zone of Lake Malawi, an area that gradually transitions into a sandy zone. Therefore, it is ideal to provide the aquarium with a sandy bottom. In addition, you can use large stones and rocks to create hiding places and boundaries. Place the stones in such a way that there are sufficient crevices and passages, but also ensure that there is enough open swimming space, especially towards the top. Tall stones can serve as visual barriers, which can reduce stress in the fish.
Water parameters
For optimal health and well-being of Otopharynx sp. “spots” in the aquarium, it is best to maintain the following water values. The water temperature should be between 22°C and 26°C. The pH value, which indicates the acidity of the water, should be between 7.5 and 8.5.
Fellow residents
Otopharynx sp. “spots” is a peaceful cichlid and can therefore coexist well with other peaceful cichlid species. Suitable tank mates include species from the genera Aulonocara (especially the sand-dwelling varieties), Copadichromis (be sure to choose the peaceful species), and Scianochromis.
However, it is strongly discouraged to keep Otopharynx sp. “spots” together with Mbuna species. Mbunas are often more aggressive and dominant, and Otopharynx sp. “spots” are relatively less assertive. Even species such as Labidochromis, which are sometimes considered milder, can be too dominant for this fish. A special aquarium for Otopharynx sp. “spots” alone or a combination with other peaceful non-Mbuna cichlids is the best choice.
Breeding aquarium and conditioning
Otopharynx sp. “spots” is, like most Malawi cichlids, a female mouthbrooder. This means that the female carries and protects the eggs in her mouth until the young fish hatch and are large enough to swim independently. The gestation period is approximately three weeks.
A special breeding aquarium is not strictly necessary for this species. They can reproduce in a mixed aquarium, provided they are not kept together with overly dominant or active species.
Conditioning and Breeding Groups
A varied and nutritious diet is important for bringing the fish into breeding condition. Provide a protein-rich diet consisting of high-quality cichlid pellets, live food (such as mosquito larvae) and frozen food (such as artemia and mosquito larvae) to get the fish into optimal condition for reproduction.
For breeding groups, a harem setup is recommended, consisting of one male with two to three females. For larger aquariums, a group setup is also possible, for example three to four males with five to six females, provided that the aquarium has a minimum capacity of 900 liters and a length of 200 cm or more.
Rearing of Young Fish
After the female has released the young fish, they can be raised with fine food, such as freshly hatched artemia nauplii or other similar fine food.
Video
Author
Since I bought my first second-hand aquarium when I was twelve, I have always had one or more aquariums. I even converted a garage into a breeding room where I had 50 aquariums containing around 10,000 liters of water. At the moment, I have two aquariums: a 1,250-liter Tanganyika aquarium and a 250-liter community aquarium with plants. For the past 10 years, I have been working on this website as a writer and photographer.
Copyright images
