A robust and highly aggressive haplochromine cichlid native to Lake Tanganyika. Known for its striking coloration and dynamic, albeit violent, territorial behavior. Adults are opportunistic predators and piscivores. They are maternal mouthbrooders, and males are fiercely intolerant of other males. They require hard, alkaline water.
Horei Cichlid At a Glance
Horei Cichlid Tank Requirements
Will Horei Cichlid fit in your tank?
Care guides tell you what Horei Cichlid needs, the next question is whether your tank can safely provide it. Test Horei Cichlid against your tank size, maintenance needs, and the fish you already keep before you buy.
Useful setup supplies
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Horei Cichlid Water Parameters
Water care products
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Horei Cichlid Temperament & Compatibility
Horei Cichlid Varieties
Each variety inherits the species defaults above. Only differences are highlighted.
Male
Dominant males display vibrant colors and are fiercely territorial. They will not tolerate other males of their species and often fight to the death. Best kept as a single male in a harem of females.
Differs in 3 traits from base species
Also known as: Dominant Male, Show Male
Female
Slightly smaller and less colorful than males. Females are maternal mouthbrooders. Several females (3-5) should be kept per male to disperse his intense aggression and breeding demands.
Differs in 3 traits from base species
Also known as: Female, Breeder
Juvenile (Grow-out)
Young, unsexed specimens. While they can be kept in slightly smaller tanks temporarily, they grow quickly and their aggressive, predatory instincts will develop as they mature.
Differs in 6 traits from base species
Also known as: Unsexed, Baby
Horei Cichlid Care Guide Summary
The Horei Cichlid, scientifically known as Ctenochromis horei, belongs to the Cichlids - African family group. Adults reach a maximum size of approximately 18 cm and have a fusiform body shape with a moderate growth rate. Classified as 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 Horei Cichlid requires a freshwater only aquarium with a minimum volume of 208 litres and a tank length of at least 120 cm. Water temperature should be maintained between 24°C and 28°C, with a pH range of 7.8–9 and a general hardness of 10–25 dGH. A moderate water flow is preferred.
Due to its specialist needs, the Horei Cichlid is best suited for fishkeepers who can provide a carefully planned setup. This species is available in 3 varieties: Male, 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.
Horei Cichlid Habitat Setup
When setting up an aquarium for the Horei 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.
Horei Cichlid Compatibility Notes
Classified as aggressive, the Horei Cichlid is adaptable and can be kept singly or in a small group, offering flexibility when planning a community tank. When choosing tankmates, any fish small enough to fit in its mouth will likely be eaten, conspecific aggression can be intense, especially in smaller tanks, and territorial behaviour may cause issues if hiding spots or floor space are limited. Selecting tankmates that favour different water layers from the mid-level and bottom zones can help reduce competition and territorial overlap.
Horei Cichlid Recommended Tank Sizes
Standard aquarium sizes that meet the minimum volume and length requirements for Horei Cichlid.
55 Gallon Standard
60 Gallon Breeder
75 Gallon Standard
90 Gallon Standard
125 Gallon Standard
150 Gallon High
Horei Cichlid Feeding & Diet Considerations
The Horei Cichlid is a predatory species that will readily consume small fish, so nano or bite-sized tankmates should be avoided and will eat fry, so breeding efforts in the same tank are unlikely to succeed.
Feeding products
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Frequently Asked Questions About Horei Cichlid
How big does Horei Cichlid get?
Horei Cichlid (Ctenochromis horei) typically reaches a maximum adult size of approximately 18 cm. They have a fusiform body shape and a moderate growth rate.
What tank size does Horei Cichlid need?
A minimum aquarium volume of 208 litres and a tank length of at least 120 cm are recommended for Horei Cichlid. This ensures enough swimming space and helps maintain stable water conditions.
What water parameters does Horei Cichlid need?
Horei Cichlid thrives in freshwater only conditions with a temperature range of 24–28°C, a pH between 7.8 and 9, and a general hardness of 10–25 dGH. A moderate water flow is preferred.
Is Horei Cichlid peaceful or aggressive?
Horei Cichlid is classified as aggressive with an aggression score of 8 out of 10. Careful tankmate selection is essential to avoid conflict.
Can Horei Cichlid live alone?
Yes, Horei Cichlid can be kept singly or in a group. They are flexible and adapt well to both setups.
Does Horei Cichlid have any special tank requirements?
Yes. Horei Cichlid benefits from sand (sifters) in the aquarium. These features help replicate their natural habitat and promote overall health and well-being.
Plants That Suit Horei Cichlid
These plants pair well with Horei 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
Pothos
Epipremnum aureum
Fish Similar to Horei Cichlid
Buccochromis rhoadesii
Buccochromis rhoadesii
A massive, apex-predator Haplochromine cichlid endemic to Lake Malawi. They are open-water pursuit predators characterized by an immense mouth and a distinct diagonal stripe across the body. Due to their enormous adult size and strictly piscivorous nature, they require massive aquariums and can only be housed with similarly large, robust species. Any tank mate small enough to fit in their mouth will be eaten.
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.
Tanganyikan Clown Cichlid (Eretmodus)
Eretmodus cyanostictus
An intriguing, goby-like cichlid native to the shallow, highly oxygenated surge zones of Lake Tanganyika. They have a reduced swim bladder, causing them to 'hop' along the rocky bottom rather than swim freely. They require highly oxygenated water, strong flow, and a strict herbivorous diet (aufwuchs/algae) to avoid fatal intestinal bloat. They are highly intolerant of conspecifics unless kept as a bonded pair.
Cuban Cichlid
Nandopsis tetracanthus
A striking, highly aggressive predatory cichlid native to the rivers and lakes of Cuba. They are known for their spectacular black and white 'mosaic' or 'tiger' patterning, which becomes incredibly vivid during breeding. Best kept by experienced aquarists due to their extreme territoriality, potential size, and need for hard, alkaline water. They are also known to be naturally euryhaline, tolerating brackish conditions.
Christmas Fulu
Xystichromis phytophagus
A critically endangered African cichlid (extinct in Lake Victoria, now found primarily in Lake Kanyaboli) famous for the male's festive red, green, and blue colors. Like many Victorian haplochromines, they are active, aggressive, and best kept in rock-scaped tanks with hard, alkaline water. They are harem breeders and require a strict male-to-female ratio to manage aggression.
Butterfly Peacock Cichlid
Aulonocara jacobfreibergi
One of the most colorful and slightly more aggressive Peacock cichlids from Lake Malawi. They are obligate sand-sifters that search for benthic invertebrates. They require hard, alkaline water and plenty of rocky caves. Like most Aulonocara, they exhibit extreme sexual dimorphism.