fish · Cichlidae
Afra cichlid
Cynotilapia afra
Wild range: Endemic to Lake Malawi — widely distributed along the northwest coast south to Ngara; eastern shore between Makanjila Point and Chuanga / Lumbaulo / Ikombe; islands of Likoma and Chizumulu (also Mbenji); rocky and intermediate habitats ~3–30 m (Africa)
At a glance: Afra cichlid care
Compiled reference information. Review the care notes and original sources below.
What temperature is listed for Afra cichlid?
The compiled profile lists 24.0–28.0 °C for Afra cichlid (Cynotilapia afra). Check the original sources below for context and differing recommendations.
What tank size is listed for Afra cichlid?
The profile lists a minimum tank volume of 40.0 US gallons (150.0 liters). Volume alone does not establish suitability; consider dimensions, group size and other inhabitants alongside the full care notes.
What pH is listed for Afra cichlid?
The compiled profile lists a pH of 7.5–8.5. Review the cited care sources alongside the other water parameters in this profile.
Natural habitat
Rocky shoreline and intermediate rock–open-water zones of Lake Malawi; territorial males defend caves among rocks and graze aufwuchs nearby, while females and non-territorial fish often form midwater groups feeding on plankton just off the rock walls (Seriously Fish, FishBase, AquaInfo, aquaportail).
Where they are found
Catalog primary locked as Cynotilapia afra (Günther, 1894) per trade/ITIS/FishBase and Eschmeyer’s Catalog of Fishes (Current status Valid; original combination Hemichromis afer Günther 1894, PZSL 1893 volume; CoF spid 44833; FishBase SpecCode 2323; ITIS TSN 649087). Synonyms: Hemichromis afer, Paratilapia afra. Genus Cynotilapia (“dogtooth”) refers to widely spaced unicuspid teeth unique among Lake Malawi mbuna — trade names Dogtooth cichlid / afra / dogtooth mbuna. Distinct valid congener Cynotilapia zebroides (Johnson, 1975) (originally Microchromis zebroides; CoF Valid as C. zebroides) is a separate Likoma-area species — do not synonymize with afra; older hobby literature sometimes confused Microchromis / C. zebroides with afra. Many locality colour morphs (Cobwe/Cobue, Chewere, Jalo Reef, red-top, white-top, orange-back, etc.) hybridize in aquaria and should not be mixed; some may eventually be split as distinct species (SF, Tawil 2011, aquaportail). IUCN Least Concern (FishBase cites assessment 2018-06-22).
Aquarium care
Hardy Lake Malawi mbuna sold as afra / dogtooth cichlid; one of the more approachable mbuna for keepers new to the group (Seriously Fish). Plan ≥40 US gal (~150 L) with a long footprint for a harem (SF absolute ~24 US gal / 100×30 cm base for a small group; tropicalfreshwaterfish 45–55 gal adults; Atlarium ≥200 L / 48″ community; aquaportail ≥450 L for multi-territory — locked 40 gal practical harem floor). Sand substrate and tall piled rockwork forming caves with open swimming lanes; plants are usually uprooted. Hard alkaline water 24–28°C, pH 7.5–8.5, GH ~10–25 (SF 25–29 / 7.5–8.5 / 10–25; FishBase wild 23–27 / pH 8.0–8.5 / dH 15+; AquaInfo Chewere 22–26 / 7.5–8.5 / 12–16; aquaportail 23–27 / 8.0–9.0 / 10–25; tropicalfreshwaterfish 23–27 / 7.5–9 / 10–25 — locked SF∩AquaInfo pH 7.5–8.5 and SF∩aquaportail GH 10–25 with Malawi-pack temp 24–28 overlapping FishBase/aquaportail/tropicalfreshwaterfish). Strong filtration and regular water changes; moderate–vigorous flow. Keep one male with 3–6 females; overcrowd with dissimilar mbuna to diffuse aggression. Do not mix locality morphs.
Feeding
Wild diet is aufwuchs microfauna near territories plus midwater plankton (FishBase, AquaInfo, aquaportail). In aquaria treat as omnivore: spirulina / vegetable flakes and blanched greens should form a large share, supplemented with quality cichlid pellets and live/frozen invertebrates (brine shrimp, mysis, daphnia, krill) (Seriously Fish, tropicalfreshwaterfish, aquaportail). Avoid mammalian meat and exclusive high-protein diets that can cause Malawi bloat. Feed modest portions 1–2× daily.
Compatibility
Aggressive territorial mbuna — not a peaceful community or peacock/Utaka tankmate (Seriously Fish). Best with other similarly assertive, dissimilar-looking mbuna in a densely stocked hard-water tank; Synodontis that tolerate high pH are classic companions (tropicalfreshwaterfish). Avoid similarly barred Pseudotropheus / Maylandia zebras (hybridization risk and ID confusion). One male per standard tank; multiple males need a large multi-territory footprint. Not communitysafe or nanook.
Breeding
Maternal mouthbrooder; spawn readily in a harem of one male with 3–6 females (SF, AquaInfo, tropicalfreshwaterfish). Target ~25–27°C and pH ~8.0–8.5. Male claims a cave or digs a pit under rock and displays; female lays and immediately buccal-incubates ~15–30 eggs for up to ~3 weeks (SF, aquaportail 20–30; FishBase maturity 6–8 months). Stressed females may spit or eat the brood — wait to move holding females if possible; some breeders strip at ~2 weeks (expert only). Fry take newly hatched brine shrimp from release.
Sources
Compiled from multiple independent care sheets — not copied from a single site.