Otopharynx Lithobates - Aristochromis Red Top

Otopharynx Lithobates - Aristochromis Red Top, Unsexed, Farm Raised,
Average Adult Fish Size: 5”
Place of Origin: Lake Malawi, Zimbabwe
Feeding: mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, krill, High Quality Flake, High Quality Pellets
Temperament: Generally Peaceful, Conspecific Aggressive

Lithobates males undergo a really spectacular morphology change as they mature - males slowly transform from a soft tan to a dark neon blue, with a gorgeous orange stripe on the dorsal fin. The lips and head change first. All Otopharynx have three dark spots on their flanks, but these eventually become completely masked by the dark blue breeding coloration of males.

The Lithobates is a "Hap" predator, which feeds mostly on crustaceans and insects and small fish. It is very similar in appearance and behavior to the Aulonocara peacocks, differing mostly in the shape of its head. They also differs in that they lack egg spots.

They are a peaceful Hap, being neither bothered or showing aggression toward other fish. Even among themselves, they are quite mild-mannered, only displaying brief flares of fin or a passing nip during spawning rituals. Males reach a length of 5", while females get up to about 4". This species tends to be grow rather slowly compared with other fish. Broods typically consist of 15-40 fry, which are 4mm when released.