Cynotilapia afra, is a freshwater fish of the cichlid family.
The genus name roughly translates as dogtooth cichlid which describes
the sharp, conical unicuspid teeth unique to this genus within the Lake
Malawi flock. The species afra is endemic to Lake Malawi and
is found in rocky habitats throughout the lake. It prefers a pH range
of 7.5–8.5 and a temperature range of 23–27°C.
The afra has an elongate body with vertical blue
and black bars. However, there are many different coloration patterns depending
on the region the fish is from, for example, the male fish from Kobwe (usually
seen spelled either Cobue or Cobwe) is shown in the picture to the right. The
population from Jalo Reef show no yellow in the body but have a solid yellow
dorsal fin. Other populations have no yellow highlights at all. Males can grow
up to 10 cm., females usually somewhat smaller. Like most other cichlids from Lake
Malawi, afras are mouthbrooders. Males defend territories near
caves within the rock piles and feed from algae and micro-fauna on those rocks.
Females congregate in mid-water and feed from plankton.
Other popular color variations are so named: Chewere,
Chinuni, Chitande, Chuanga, Likoma, Lumbila, Lundu, Lupingu, Mbenji, Metangula,
Minos Reef, Msobo, Ndumbi, Njambe, Nkhata Bay, and the Nkolongwe.
Aquarium Care
Like many mbuna, the afra is an aggressive
and territorial fish that should be kept in a species-only or mixed mbuna tank.
When mixing it is often better to avoid similar looking species. A common
practice is to keep one male with several females, as afra are
nonmonagamous harem breeders. Tanks of 150L or more should be considered. The
tank arrangement should provide some open spaces but, have plenty of hiding
spots and shelters.
