Giant Cichlid
Boulengerochromis microlepis
The largest African cichlid, built like a predator and almost as big as your arm.
About
The Giant Cichlid (Boulengerochromis microlepis) holds the title of largest cichlid on the African continent, and it earns that distinction honestly. Adults can push well past two feet in length, with a torpedo-shaped body and a broad, crescent-shaped tail built for bursts of speed. It is the sole representative of its genus and is endemic to Lake Tanganyika, where it patrols near-shore surface waters and is so prized as table fare that local fisheries target it heavily. That streamlined, piscivorous build tells you everything you need to know about its diet: once mature, this fish eats other fish, and pretty much anything that fits in that wide mouth is fair game. Juveniles are reasonably peaceful with one another and with similarly-sized tankmates, but this truce erodes steadily as they grow, and a group will often whittle itself down to a single dominant fish if space is insufficient. A bonded pair can be even more exclusive, refusing to share their territory with virtually any other inhabitants. Despite all of this, farm-raised juveniles have been available in the hobby since the mid-2000s, and the care level is considered manageable. Provided you can supply the truly enormous aquarium this species demands as it matures.
Similar species
Other fish you might consider
Good tank mates
Species that tend to coexist peacefully with Giant Cichlid
From the same region
Share the same natural habitat. Great for a biotope-themed tank
Frequently asked questions
- How big does the Giant Cichlid get?
- The Giant Cichlid reaches about 17.5–32" as an adult.
- What size tank does the Giant Cichlid need?
- A minimum of 250 gallons is recommended for the Giant Cichlid.
- What water parameters does the Giant Cichlid need?
- The Giant Cichlid does best with a temperature of 72–82°F, a pH of 7–9, hardness around 8–25 dGH.
- Is the Giant Cichlid aggressive?
- The Giant Cichlid is semi-aggressive. It can work in a community with careful tankmate choices and enough space.
- What does the Giant Cichlid eat?
- The Giant Cichlid is a carnivore. It needs a meaty, protein-rich diet of frozen or live foods.
- How long does the Giant Cichlid live?
- With good care, the Giant Cichlid typically lives 5-10 years.