Fishician®Diet
Omnivore – quality cichlid pellets, spirulina flakes, frozen brine shrimp; sifts sand for food
Aquarium species profile
Featherfin Cichlid
Cyathopharynx furcifer · Africa (Lake Tanganyika)
Minimum tank75 gal
Adult size8"
Care levelModerate
TemperamentSemi-Aggressive
Temperature75–81°F
pH range7.8–9.0
Compatible tank mates
Other Tanganyikan haplochromines, Synodontis catfish, Julidochromis
Tank mates to avoid
Aggressive mbuna, conspecific males
Care notes
Males build elaborate sand bower nests on the lake floor to attract females. Stunning color transformation during breeding. Elongated dorsal and ventral fins give the 'featherfin' appearance. Sandy substrate essential.
Check the whole aquarium. Tank size alone does not establish compatibility. Confirm adult size, water overlap, social grouping, territory, diet, and the individual animals before stocking.