Intermedius Cichlid
Tramitichromis intermedius
A peaceful to semi-aggressive 'earth-eating' cichlid endemic to the sandy shores of Lake Malawi. They continuously sift fine sand through their gills to forage for small invertebrates. While relatively peaceful compared to Mbuna, they require hard, alkaline water, ample floor space, and a strictly sandy substrate to prevent damage to their delicate gills.
Intermedius Cichlid At a Glance
Intermedius Cichlid Tank Requirements
Will Intermedius Cichlid fit in your tank?
Care guides tell you what Intermedius Cichlid needs, the next question is whether your tank can safely provide it. Test Intermedius Cichlid against your tank size, maintenance needs, and the fish you already keep before you buy.
Intermedius Cichlid Water Parameters
Intermedius Cichlid Temperament & Compatibility
Intermedius Cichlid Varieties
Each variety inherits the species defaults above. Only differences are highlighted.
Male
Dominant males display striking iridescent green, blue, and yellow hues with pink-tipped fins. They are territorial, especially during breeding, where they build large crater nests in the sand. It is strongly recommended to keep only one male per tank to prevent intense conspecific aggression unless the aquarium is exceptionally large (180cm+).
Differs in 3 traits from base species
Also known as: Show Male, Colored Male
Female
Females and juveniles exhibit a subdued silver-grey or brownish coloration designed for camouflage over sandy bottoms. They are peaceful schooling fish and maternal mouthbrooders. Best kept in harems (3-4 females per single male) to diffuse male breeding aggression.
Differs in 4 traits from base species
Also known as: Silver, Unsexed Juvenile
Intermedius Cichlid Care Guide Summary
The Intermedius Cichlid, scientifically known as Tramitichromis intermedius, belongs to the Cichlids - African family group. Adults reach a maximum size of approximately 16 cm and have a compressed body shape with a moderate growth rate. Classified as semi-aggressive, this species primarily occupies the bottom and mid-level zones of the aquarium and produces a high level of biological waste.
To thrive, the Intermedius Cichlid requires a freshwater only aquarium with a minimum volume of 170 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 7.6–8.8 and a general hardness of 10–25 dGH. A moderate water flow is preferred.
The Intermedius Cichlid is a rewarding species to keep, provided its core environmental needs are met. This species is available in 2 varieties: Male and Female. 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.
Intermedius Cichlid Habitat Setup
When setting up an aquarium for the Intermedius Cichlid, a moderate water flow best suits their natural preferences. Because this species occupies the bottom and mid-level 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.
Intermedius Cichlid Compatibility Notes
Classified as semi-aggressive, the Intermedius Cichlid is adaptable and can be kept singly or in a small group, offering flexibility when planning a community tank. When choosing tankmates, 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 bottom and mid-level zones can help reduce competition and territorial overlap.
Who Intermedius Cichlid Is Actually For
Intermedius Cichlid is best for a fishkeeper who wants a species that can settle into a calmer community setup and can provide someone who understands its individual space requirements. It makes the most sense for a hobbyist who will actually build around its needs, especially sand.
The most common mistake is treating Intermedius Cichlid like any other community fish and skipping the soft sand it needs to forage safely. Another frequent problem is forcing it into an over-busy community when it would do better with more room or more deliberate tankmate choices.
Intermedius Cichlid Recommended Tank Sizes
Standard aquarium sizes that meet the minimum volume and length requirements for Intermedius Cichlid.
55 Gallon Standard
60 Gallon Breeder
75 Gallon Standard
90 Gallon Standard
125 Gallon Standard
150 Gallon High
Frequently Asked Questions About Intermedius Cichlid
How big does Intermedius Cichlid get?
Intermedius Cichlid (Tramitichromis intermedius) typically reaches a maximum adult size of approximately 16 cm. They have a compressed body shape and a moderate growth rate.
What tank size does Intermedius Cichlid need?
A minimum aquarium volume of 170 litres and a tank length of at least 120 cm are recommended for Intermedius Cichlid. This ensures enough swimming space and helps maintain stable water conditions.
What water parameters does Intermedius Cichlid need?
Intermedius Cichlid thrives in freshwater only conditions with a temperature range of 24–28°C, a pH between 7.6 and 8.8, and a general hardness of 10–25 dGH. A moderate water flow is preferred.
Is Intermedius Cichlid peaceful or aggressive?
Intermedius Cichlid is classified as semi-aggressive with an aggression score of 5 out of 10. They can work in community setups but may clash with certain tankmates.
Can Intermedius Cichlid live alone?
Yes, Intermedius Cichlid can be kept singly or in a group. They are flexible and adapt well to both setups.
Does Intermedius Cichlid have any special tank requirements?
Yes. Intermedius 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
We may earn from qualifying purchases
Guidarium Editorial Desk
Reviewed against Guidarium care, stocking, and compatibility standards. Read the editorial policy.
- Last reviewed
- May 11, 2026
- Last updated
- May 11, 2026
- Issues or corrections?
- Contact the editorial team
Plants That Suit Intermedius Cichlid
These plants pair well with Intermedius 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 Intermedius 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.
Chisumulu Pearl Cichlid
Labidochromis chisumulae
An endemic Mbuna from Chisumulu Island in Lake Malawi. It is considered one of the 'dwarf' and relatively peaceful Mbuna species, closely related to the popular Yellow Lab. They are rock-dwellers that require hard, alkaline water, plenty of rock caves, and a sandy substrate for digging.
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.
Peacock Cichlid (Aulonocara)
Aulonocara sp.
Endemic to Lake Malawi, Peacock Cichlids are highly sought after for the breathtaking colors of the males. They are benthivorous, using sensory pores on their jaws to hunt small invertebrates in the sand. While territorial, they are generally peaceful compared to their aggressive Mbuna cousins. They require hard, alkaline water and a sandy substrate to prevent gill damage while sifting.
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).
Rusty Cichlid
Iodotropheus sprengerae
An endemic Mbuna from Lake Malawi, known for its unique rusty-orange to lavender coloration. It is widely considered one of the most 'peaceful' Mbuna species, making it an excellent choice for beginner African Cichlid keepers. However, like all Mbuna, they are territorial, require hard alkaline water, and need an aquarium with extensive rockwork to form caves and territories.