Otopharynx lithobates – Zimbawe Rock
The male of the Otopharynx lithobates can reach a length of about 17 centimeters, the female grows to about 15 centimeters.
This fish has a beautiful bright blue color, a bright yellow stripe runs from the mouth to the end of the tail.
Females remain gray-brown and sometimes have a yellow stripe as well. 
This variant comes from Germany.
Its body has taken on a very dark color that contrasts nicely with the orange crest over its head and dorsal fin.
Origin
Zimbawe Rock, Lake Malawi.
The Aquarium
Otopharynx lithobates requires an aquarium of at least 1.50 meters. Furnish the aquarium with hard plants such as Vallisneria and Anubias, many rock formations so that caves are created, the bottom must consist of sand. Also make sure there is plenty of free swimming space. It is advisable to change the water regularly.
Water parameters
Temperature: 24-27 degrees Celsius. PH: 8 GH: 12-16
Diet
As food, both live food and frozen food can be given, such as white mosquito larvae, artemia, krill, shrimp and mussels.
Green food such as spirulina can also be given, as well as cichlid sticks, granules and dry food.
Character
The Otopharynx lithobates is a fairly peaceful fish towards its fellow inhabitants, only in an aquarium that is too small it can become aggressive.
This African cichlid can be kept as a couple, if the male chases the female a lot you can add several females.
They can be kept together with other Malawi cichlids.
Breeding of the Otopharynx lithobates – Zimbawe Rock
The breeding of Otopharynx lithobates is quite simple, up to about 60 eggs are deposited and fertilized in a burrow, and then taken in the mouth by the female.
The male defends the territory.
After about 3 weeks the young are released, they can be raised with artemia nauplii, rearing food or finely ground dry food. Author Coby Copyright photos Coby J. de Lange
