Ophthalmotilapia ventralis is a type of cichlid fish found only in the southern part of Lake Tanganyika. This fish is sometimes available in the aquarium trade.
Ophthalmotilapia ventralis lives away from slopes and is found alone or in groups. Its diet consists of tiny organisms floating in plankton clouds.
Female Ophthalmotilapia ventralis’ protect their young by carrying them in their mouths. They release their offspring close to the shore and near the water’s surface.
You can check out what this fish looks like over here.
Ophthalmotilapia ventralis Interesting Facts
- Ophthalmotilapia ventralis are found in southern Lake Tanganyika.
- These fish thrive in warm, freshwater environments with a pH between 7.5 to 8.0 and depths of 2 to 10 meters.
- They grow up to 5.9 inches (15.0 centimeters) long.
- Female Ophthalmotilapia ventralis protect their young by carrying them in their mouths through a process called mouthbrooding.
Ophthalmotilapia ventralis Habitat
Ophthalmotilapia ventralis lives in the southern part of Lake Tanganyika in Africa. This fish prefers freshwater environments that are close to the bottom (benthopelagic).
The water should have a pH between 7.5 to 8.0, hardness from 10 to 12 dH, and a depth of 2 to 10 meters.
Ophthalmotilapia ventralis likes warm temperatures, around 73.4°F to 77°F (23°C to 25°C), which is common in tropical areas near the equator between latitudes of 6°S to 9°S.
| Water Temperature: | 73.4°F to 77°F (23°C to 25°C) |
| Water pH: | 7.5 to 8.0 pH |
| Water Hardness: | 10 to 12 dH |
Ophthalmotilapia ventralis Physical Characteristics
Size: 5.9 inches (15.0 centimeters)
Ophthalmotilapia ventralis grows up to 5.9 inches (15.0 centimeters) long.
Ophthalmotilapia ventralis Reproduction
Female Ophthalmotilapia ventralis, usually between 6.5 to 7.5 cm in length, carry eggs and baby fish (larvae) up to 1.97 cm long inside their mouths for protection.
This process is called mouthbrooding.
Ophthalmotilapia ventralis Scientific Classification
| Kingdom: | Animalia |
| Phylum: | Chordata |
| Class: | Actinopterygii |
| Order: | Cichliformes |
| Family: | Cichlidae |
| Genus: | Ophthalmotilapia |
| Scientific Name: | Ophthalmotilapia ventralis |
| Also Known As: | Ophthalmotilapia ventralis |
| Conservation Status: | Least Concern |