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.
Yellow Sand Cichlid At a Glance
Yellow Sand Cichlid Tank Requirements
Will Yellow Sand Cichlid fit in your tank?
Care guides tell you what Yellow Sand Cichlid needs, the next question is whether your tank can safely provide it. Test Yellow Sand Cichlid against your tank size, maintenance needs, and the fish you already keep before you buy.
Yellow Sand Cichlid Water Parameters
Yellow Sand Cichlid Temperament & Compatibility
Yellow Sand Cichlid Varieties
Each variety inherits the species defaults above. Only differences are highlighted.
Standard / Unsexed
The standard form typically available in the hobby. Sexes are monomorphic (visually similar), though males may be slightly more vibrant when displaying. Best kept in groups of 4-6 to diffuse skittishness and establish a natural hierarchy [1, 7].
Same care requirements as the base species
Also known as: Wild Type
Kekese (Yellow Fin)
A highly popular geographic morph native to the Kekese region of Lake Tanganyika, renowned for the distinct bright yellow coloration on its dorsal and pelvic fins [1, 7].
Same care requirements as the base species
Also known as: Kekese, Yellow Fin
Yellow Sand Cichlid Care Guide Summary
The Yellow Sand Cichlid, scientifically known as Xenotilapia bathyphilus, belongs to the Cichlids - African family group. Adults reach a maximum size of approximately 10 cm and have a fusiform body shape with a moderate growth rate. Classified as mostly peaceful, this species primarily occupies the bottom zone of the aquarium and produces a medium level of biological waste.
To thrive, the Yellow Sand Cichlid requires a freshwater only aquarium with a minimum volume of 110 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 7.8–9 and a general hardness of 10–20 dGH. A moderate water flow is preferred.
The Yellow Sand Cichlid is a rewarding species to keep, provided its core environmental needs are met. This species is available in 2 varieties: Standard / Unsexed and Kekese (Yellow Fin). 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.
Yellow Sand Cichlid Habitat Setup
When setting up an aquarium for the Yellow Sand Cichlid, a moderate 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 a sand substrate to accommodate their sifting behaviour. Keepers should note that expect substrate disturbance, so lightweight décor should be secured.
Yellow Sand Cichlid Compatibility Notes
Classified as mostly peaceful, the Yellow Sand Cichlid is a social species that requires the company of its own kind to thrive. When choosing tankmates, 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.
Who Yellow Sand Cichlid Is Actually For
Yellow Sand 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 Yellow Sand 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.
Yellow Sand Cichlid Recommended Tank Sizes
Standard aquarium sizes that meet the minimum volume and length requirements for Yellow Sand Cichlid.
30 Gallon Breeder
40 Gallon Breeder
55 Gallon Standard
60 Gallon Breeder
75 Gallon Standard
90 Gallon Standard
Show 10 more tank sizes
Frequently Asked Questions About Yellow Sand Cichlid
How big does Yellow Sand Cichlid get?
Yellow Sand Cichlid (Xenotilapia bathyphilus) typically reaches a maximum adult size of approximately 10 cm. They have a fusiform body shape and a moderate growth rate.
What tank size does Yellow Sand Cichlid need?
A minimum aquarium volume of 110 litres and a tank length of at least 90 cm are recommended for Yellow Sand Cichlid. This ensures enough swimming space and helps maintain stable water conditions.
What water parameters does Yellow Sand Cichlid need?
Yellow Sand 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 10–20 dGH. A moderate water flow is preferred.
Is Yellow Sand Cichlid peaceful or aggressive?
Yellow Sand Cichlid is classified as mostly peaceful with an aggression score of 4 out of 10. They are generally well-suited to peaceful community tanks.
Can Yellow Sand Cichlid live alone?
No, Yellow Sand Cichlid should be kept in groups of at least 4 to reduce stress and encourage natural behaviour.
Does Yellow Sand Cichlid have any special tank requirements?
Yes. Yellow Sand 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 11, 2026
- Last updated
- May 11, 2026
- Issues or corrections?
- Contact the editorial team
Top Tank Mates for Yellow Sand Cichlid
These fish are strong compatibility matches for Yellow Sand Cichlid based on water preferences, temperament, adult size, and tank behavior.
Plants That Suit Yellow Sand Cichlid
These plants pair well with Yellow Sand 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 Yellow Sand Cichlid
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.
Xenotilapia papilio
Xenotilapia papilio
A stunning, highly specialized benthic cichlid endemic to Lake Tanganyika. Unlike many open-sand dwelling Xenotilapia, the Papilio prefers deeper rocky habitats interspersed with sand. They feed by sifting sand through their gills to extract micro-invertebrates. While peaceful toward other species, they are extremely intolerant of conspecifics once mature; they form monogamous, biparental mouthbrooding pairs that vigorously defend their rock territory. A soft, fine sandy substrate is strictly required to prevent fatal gill damage.
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.
Pearly Ocellatus
Neolamprologus stappersi
A fascinating, tiny shell-dwelling cichlid from Lake Tanganyika. Despite their minuscule size, they possess immense attitude and will fiercely defend their chosen snail shells from much larger fish (and even the aquarist's hands). They use their mouths to move sand and bury their shells to their exact liking.
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.
Lemon Cichlid (Leleupi)
Neolamprologus leleupi
A striking, torpedo-shaped cichlid endemic to the rocky shores of Lake Tanganyika. Famous for its intense yellow or orange coloration. They are highly territorial cave-dwellers that require hard, alkaline water. Due to their aggression toward their own kind, they are best kept as a solitary specimen or a confirmed breeding pair.