Star Sapphire

Placidochromis Phenochilus (Tanzania)

Tank Size:

A minimum of 125 gallons is recommended for a community tank, with larger tanks needed for multiple fish. 

Water Parameters:

Temperature: 78-82°F (25.5-27.8°C). 

pH: 7.8-8.6. 

Hardness: 10-25 dKH, with general and carbonate hardness around 180 ppm. 

Ammonia and Nitrites: 0 ppm. 

Nitrates: Less than 20-40 ppm. 

Substrate:

Sandy substrate is essential for sifting behavior and preventing injury. 

Aquascaping:

Provide plenty of open swimming space and rock structures for hiding and territorial boundaries. 

Filtration:

A well-filtered and oxygenated tank is crucial, with bi-weekly water changes recommended to maintain water quality. 

Diet:

A varied diet of high-quality cichlid pellets, frozen foods (brine shrimp, bloodworms, etc.), and occasional flake food. 

Behavior and Social Interaction:

Peaceful: Generally peaceful, but can become territorial during breeding. 

Schooling: Prefers to be kept in groups. 

Compatibility: Best kept with other peaceful Lake Malawi or Tanganyikan cichlids. Avoid aggressive Mbuna cichlids. 

Breeding:

Mouthbrooders: They are maternal mouthbrooders.

Spawning: Males will display and attract females to clean a chosen spawning site.

Incubation: Eggs are incubated in the female's mouth for up to 25 days. 

Additional Notes:

Star sapphire cichlids are slow growers and may take time to develop their distinctive "chipping" coloration. 

Males are more vibrantly colored than females, especially when mature. 

They are sensitive to deteriorating water conditions.