Peter's Cichlid

About

Found in the southern reaches of Lake Malawi, Alticorpus peterdaviesi is a cichlid adapted to a very specific niche: the soft, diatom-laden ooze that settles on the lake bottom in deeper zones. That dietary specialization on diatoms sets it apart from the algae-scraping mbuna and the predatory haps that dominate most Malawi community tanks. It is not a common fish in the hobby, and dedicated hobbyists tend to seek it out precisely because of that unusual ecological background. Despite its somewhat specialized wild diet, it is listed as a beginner-friendly species, which suggests it adapts reasonably well to prepared and varied foods in captivity. Something worth confirming with experienced keepers before assuming it will thrive on standard cichlid fare. Like virtually all Lake Malawi cichlids, it appreciates hard, alkaline water and does best when those conditions are kept stable. The lake is famous for its consistency, and these fish reflect that. At up to six inches, it needs a decently sized tank to feel at home, and housing it with other Malawi species of similar temperament is usually the sensible approach. This is a fish for the hobbyist who wants something a little off the beaten path within the Malawi cichlid world.