Featherfin Cichlid
Cyathopharynx furcifer
A spectacular Lake Tanganyika cichlid known for its dramatic sexual dimorphism. Males display brilliant metallic hues (blues, greens, or coppers depending on collection point) and possess sweeping, elongated pelvic 'feather' fins. Males build enormous crater-like sand bowers to attract females. Because of this bower-building behavior and their high activity level, footprint (length and width) is far more critical than tank height.
Featherfin Cichlid At a Glance
Featherfin Cichlid Tank Requirements
Will Featherfin Cichlid fit in your tank?
Care guides tell you what Featherfin Cichlid needs, the next question is whether your tank can safely provide it. Test Featherfin Cichlid against your tank size, maintenance needs, and the fish you already keep before you buy.
Featherfin Cichlid Water Parameters
Featherfin Cichlid Temperament & Compatibility
Featherfin Cichlid Varieties
Each variety inherits the species defaults above. Only differences are highlighted.
Male (Dominant / Standard)
The spectacular adult male. Intensely territorial toward other males of its species. Requires a massive open sand bed (180cm+ length) to construct its bower. Generally, only one male should be kept per tank unless the footprint exceeds 8 feet (240cm).
Differs in 3 traits from base species
Also known as: Male, Show Male
Female
Significantly less colorful (drab silver/grey) and lacks the extended pelvic fins. Much more peaceful. Must be kept in a harem ratio (3-4+ females per male) to diffuse the dominant male's breeding harassment.
Differs in 2 traits from base species
Also known as: Female, Silvery
Juvenile (Grow-out)
Young specimens that lack adult coloration. While they can temporarily reside in a smaller aquarium, they grow rapidly and will soon require a massive tank with a deep sand bed to thrive.
Differs in 5 traits from base species
Also known as: Unsexed Juvenile, Baby
Featherfin Cichlid Care Guide Summary
The Featherfin Cichlid, scientifically known as Cyathopharynx furcifer, belongs to the Cichlids - African family group. Adults reach a maximum size of approximately 21 cm and have a compressed body shape with a moderate growth rate. Classified as semi-aggressive, this species primarily occupies the mid-level and bottom zones of the aquarium and produces a high level of biological waste.
To thrive, the Featherfin Cichlid requires a freshwater only aquarium with a minimum volume of 550 litres and a tank length of at least 180 cm. Water temperature should be maintained between 24°C and 27°C, with a pH range of 8–9.2 and a general hardness of 10–25 dGH. A moderate water flow is preferred.
The Featherfin Cichlid is a rewarding species to keep, provided its core environmental needs are met. This species is available in 3 varieties: Male (Dominant / Standard), Female, and Juvenile (Grow-out). Each may differ slightly in size, temperament, or care needs, so it is worth checking the specific requirements of the variety you plan to keep.
Featherfin Cichlid Habitat Setup
When setting up an aquarium for the Featherfin Cichlid, a moderate water flow best suits their natural preferences. Because this species occupies the mid-level and bottom zones, the aquarium layout should prioritise open swimming space in the centre of the tank for free movement and sufficient floor space with hiding spots among rocks, wood, or dense planting. Useful additions include a sand substrate to accommodate their sifting behaviour. Keepers should note that expect substrate disturbance, so lightweight décor should be secured.
Featherfin Cichlid Compatibility Notes
Classified as semi-aggressive, the Featherfin Cichlid is a social species that requires the company of its own kind to thrive. When choosing tankmates, conspecific aggression can be intense, especially in smaller tanks, territorial behaviour may cause issues if hiding spots or floor space are limited, and their energetic swimming style may stress more sedentary or timid species. Selecting tankmates that favour different water layers from the mid-level and bottom zones can help reduce competition and territorial overlap.
Who Featherfin Cichlid Is Actually For
Featherfin Cichlid is best for a fishkeeper who wants a species that can settle into a calmer community setup and can provide a keeper who can commit to a proper group of at least 4. It makes the most sense for a hobbyist who will actually build around its needs, especially sand.
The most common mistake is treating Featherfin Cichlid like any other community fish and skipping the soft sand it needs to forage safely. Another frequent problem is underestimating its social needs. A token pair or trio often behaves very differently from a real group.
Featherfin Cichlid Recommended Tank Sizes
Standard aquarium sizes that meet the minimum volume and length requirements for Featherfin Cichlid.
Frequently Asked Questions About Featherfin Cichlid
How big does Featherfin Cichlid get?
Featherfin Cichlid (Cyathopharynx furcifer) typically reaches a maximum adult size of approximately 21 cm. They have a compressed body shape and a moderate growth rate.
What tank size does Featherfin Cichlid need?
A minimum aquarium volume of 550 litres and a tank length of at least 180 cm are recommended for Featherfin Cichlid. This ensures enough swimming space and helps maintain stable water conditions.
What water parameters does Featherfin Cichlid need?
Featherfin Cichlid thrives in freshwater only conditions with a temperature range of 24–27°C, a pH between 8 and 9.2, and a general hardness of 10–25 dGH. A moderate water flow is preferred.
Is Featherfin Cichlid peaceful or aggressive?
Featherfin Cichlid is classified as semi-aggressive with an aggression score of 6 out of 10. They can work in community setups but may clash with certain tankmates.
Can Featherfin Cichlid live alone?
No, Featherfin Cichlid should be kept in groups of at least 4 to reduce stress and encourage natural behaviour.
Does Featherfin Cichlid have any special tank requirements?
Yes. Featherfin Cichlid benefits from sand (sifters) in the aquarium. These features help replicate their natural habitat and promote overall health and well-being.
Useful setup supplies
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Guidarium Editorial Desk
Reviewed against Guidarium care, stocking, and compatibility standards. Read the editorial policy.
- Last reviewed
- May 4, 2026
- Last updated
- May 4, 2026
- Issues or corrections?
- Contact the editorial team
Plants That Suit Featherfin Cichlid
These plants pair well with Featherfin Cichlid based on shared water preferences, layout fit, and how likely they are to hold up in the same aquarium.
Afzel's Anubias
Anubias afzelii
Anubias Barteri
Anubias barteri
Congo Anubias
Anubias heterophylla
Gillet's Anubias
Anubias gilletii
Java Fern
Leptochilus pteropus
Java Moss
Taxiphyllum barbieri
Fish Similar to Featherfin Cichlid
Yellow Sand Cichlid
Xenotilapia bathyphilus
An elegant, bottom-dwelling cichlid endemic to Lake Tanganyika. They are highly specialized 'sand-sifters' that take mouthfuls of sand to filter out small invertebrates. They are relatively peaceful for African cichlids but can be territorial during breeding. They are highly skittish and do best in small shoals. A fine sand substrate is absolutely mandatory for their survival and natural behavior.
Fort Maguire Peacock
Aulonocara hansbaenschi
A stunning Lake Malawi Peacock cichlid known for the male's metallic blue body and vibrant red/orange flush behind the gills. Like all Aulonocara, they are benthivores (sand-sifters) that hunt small invertebrates using enlarged sensory pores on their lower jaw. They require hard, alkaline water and a fine sand substrate to exhibit natural behaviors without damaging their gills.
Duboisi Cichlid (Tropheus)
Tropheus duboisi
An iconic Lake Tanganyika cichlid famous for its dramatic life-stage color change. Juveniles are jet black with brilliant white polka-dots, while adults develop a blue head and a distinctive yellow or white vertical band across a dark body. They are highly aggressive toward their own kind and must be kept in large colonies (10+) to disperse aggression. They are strict herbivores that require a specialized diet to avoid fatal digestive issues.
Maison Reef Peacock
Aulonocara stuartgranti "Maison Reef"
A stunning African Cichlid from Lake Malawi's intermediate zones (sand/rock transitions). They are 'benthophagous' sand-sifters, requiring fine sand to hunt for invertebrates without damaging their gills. Like most Peacocks, they are highly sexually dimorphic and require hard, alkaline water (Rift Lake parameters).
Xenotilapia ochrogenys
Xenotilapia ochrogenys
A fascinating sand-sifting cichlid endemic to Lake Tanganyika. They require a large-footprint tank with fine sand, which they constantly sift through their gills to extract benthic invertebrates. They are easily startled and are notorious jumpers, so a tight-fitting lid is essential. Because of their harem-breeding dynamics, they must be kept in groups.
Red Fin Borleyi
Copadichromis borleyi
A popular African Cichlid from Lake Malawi belonging to the open-water Utaka group. Known for extreme sexual dimorphism, mature males display brilliant orange-red bodies with metallic blue heads, while females remain silver. They require hard, alkaline water, sandy substrates, and plenty of open swimming space.