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.
Tanganyikan Clown Cichlid (Eretmodus) At a Glance
Tanganyikan Clown Cichlid (Eretmodus) Tank Requirements
Will Tanganyikan Clown Cichlid (Eretmodus) fit in your tank?
Care guides tell you what Tanganyikan Clown Cichlid (Eretmodus) needs, the next question is whether your tank can safely provide it. Test Tanganyikan Clown Cichlid (Eretmodus) against your tank size, maintenance needs, and the fish you already keep before you buy.
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Tanganyikan Clown Cichlid (Eretmodus) Water Parameters
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Tanganyikan Clown Cichlid (Eretmodus) Temperament & Compatibility
Tanganyikan Clown Cichlid (Eretmodus) Varieties
Each variety inherits the species defaults above. Only differences are highlighted.
Standard / Wild Type
The standard wild-type available in the hobby. Usually sold unsexed. To get a successful pair, hobbyists typically buy a group of 4-6 juveniles, allow two to bond, and must immediately rehome the remaining fish to prevent them from being killed by the pair.
Differs in 1 trait from base species
Also known as: Kigoma, Zambia, Burundi, Mpimbwe
Tanganyikan Clown Cichlid (Eretmodus) Care Guide Summary
The Tanganyikan Clown Cichlid (Eretmodus), scientifically known as Eretmodus cyanostictus, belongs to the Cichlids - African family group. Adults reach a maximum size of approximately 9 cm and have a fusiform body shape with a slow growth rate. Classified as aggressive, this species primarily occupies the bottom zone of the aquarium and produces a high level of biological waste.
To thrive, the Tanganyikan Clown Cichlid (Eretmodus) requires a freshwater only aquarium with a minimum volume of 100 litres and a tank length of at least 90 cm. Water temperature should be maintained between 24°C and 28°C, with a pH range of 8–9.5 and a general hardness of 10–25 dGH. A high water flow is preferred.
Due to its specialist needs, the Tanganyikan Clown Cichlid (Eretmodus) is best suited for fishkeepers who can provide a carefully planned setup. The Tanganyikan Clown Cichlid (Eretmodus) is typically available in one standard form.
Tanganyikan Clown Cichlid (Eretmodus) Habitat Setup
When setting up an aquarium for the Tanganyikan Clown Cichlid (Eretmodus), a high water flow best suits their natural preferences. Because this species occupies the bottom zone, the aquarium layout should prioritise sufficient floor space with hiding spots among rocks, wood, or dense planting. Useful additions include smooth gravel or rounded substrate to protect their sensitive barbels and an established tank with natural algae growth, as they depend on it as a primary food source.
Tanganyikan Clown Cichlid (Eretmodus) Compatibility Notes
Classified as aggressive, the Tanganyikan Clown Cichlid (Eretmodus) is adaptable and can be kept singly or in a small group, offering flexibility when planning a community tank. When choosing tankmates, 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 bottom zone can help reduce competition and territorial overlap.
Tanganyikan Clown Cichlid (Eretmodus) Recommended Tank Sizes
Standard aquarium sizes that meet the minimum volume and length requirements for Tanganyikan Clown Cichlid (Eretmodus).
30 Gallon Breeder
40 Gallon Breeder
55 Gallon Standard
60 Gallon Breeder
75 Gallon Standard
90 Gallon Standard
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Frequently Asked Questions About Tanganyikan Clown Cichlid (Eretmodus)
How big does Tanganyikan Clown Cichlid (Eretmodus) get?
Tanganyikan Clown Cichlid (Eretmodus) (Eretmodus cyanostictus) typically reaches a maximum adult size of approximately 9 cm. They have a fusiform body shape and a slow growth rate.
What tank size does Tanganyikan Clown Cichlid (Eretmodus) need?
A minimum aquarium volume of 100 litres and a tank length of at least 90 cm are recommended for Tanganyikan Clown Cichlid (Eretmodus). This ensures enough swimming space and helps maintain stable water conditions.
What water parameters does Tanganyikan Clown Cichlid (Eretmodus) need?
Tanganyikan Clown Cichlid (Eretmodus) thrives in freshwater only conditions with a temperature range of 24–28°C, a pH between 8 and 9.5, and a general hardness of 10–25 dGH. A high water flow is preferred.
Is Tanganyikan Clown Cichlid (Eretmodus) peaceful or aggressive?
Tanganyikan Clown Cichlid (Eretmodus) is classified as aggressive with an aggression score of 7 out of 10. Careful tankmate selection is essential to avoid conflict.
Can Tanganyikan Clown Cichlid (Eretmodus) live alone?
Yes, Tanganyikan Clown Cichlid (Eretmodus) can be kept singly or in a group. They are flexible and adapt well to both setups.
Does Tanganyikan Clown Cichlid (Eretmodus) have any special tank requirements?
Yes. Tanganyikan Clown Cichlid (Eretmodus) benefits from smooth gravel (sensitive barbels) and established algae (otocinclus) in the aquarium. These features help replicate their natural habitat and promote overall health and well-being.
Plants That Suit Tanganyikan Clown Cichlid (Eretmodus)
These plants pair well with Tanganyikan Clown Cichlid (Eretmodus) based on shared water preferences, layout fit, and how likely they are to hold up in the same aquarium.
Boivin's Aponogeton
Aponogeton boivinianus
African Onion Plant
Crinum calamistratum
Afzel's Anubias
Anubias afzelii
Anacharis
Egeria densa
Anubias Barteri
Anubias barteri
Balansae
Cryptocoryne crispatula
Fish Similar to Tanganyikan Clown Cichlid (Eretmodus)
Horei Cichlid
Ctenochromis horei
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.
Altolamprologus Compressiceps
Altolamprologus compressiceps
A highly specialized, predatory African Cichlid endemic to Lake Tanganyika. It features an extremely laterally compressed (paper-thin) body and steep forehead, designed to slip into narrow rocky crevices to hunt fry and invertebrates. They are notorious for their very slow growth rate and heavily 'armored' scales.
Cyprichromis Leptosoma
Cyprichromis leptosoma
A unique, pelagic (open-water) schooling cichlid endemic to Lake Tanganyika. Unlike rock-dwelling African cichlids, 'Cyps' live in massive shoals in the open water column where males display to females in spectacular 3D territories. They require very hard, alkaline water and a long tank (minimum 4 feet / 120cm) to accommodate their active swimming behavior.
Buffalo Head Cichlid
Steatocranus casuarius
A highly unique, riverine cichlid native to the fast-flowing rapids of the Congo River. It possesses a reduced swim bladder, meaning it 'hops' or 'jerks' along the bottom rather than swimming freely in the water column. Unlike Rift Lake African cichlids, it requires softer, neutral-to-acidic water and exceptionally high oxygenation/flow. They form strong monogamous pairs.
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.
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.