Fin's Fish Guide
The Spotfin sanddweller (Xenotilapia spiloptera) is a freshwater fish of the family Cichlidae that grows up to 10 cm.
Description
Xenotilapia spiloptera is a small cichlid endemic to Lake Tanganyika, occurring mainly in the southern part of the lake. The species reaches about 10 cm and has a slender, silvery-grey body. It lives over sandy bottoms, often in groups and sometimes in large schools, foraging by scooping up sand and sifting it through the gills, taking mainly insect larvae and occasionally zooplankton. Like other Xenotilapia species it is a biparental mouthbrooder. The fish is harmless to humans and is popular in the aquarium trade.
Frequently asked questions
How do you recognise the Spotfin sanddweller?
The Spotfin sanddweller has a torpedo-shaped body, is mainly silver-grey and shows a plain pattern. Sifts sand through the gills to obtain insect larvae; biparental mouthbrooder.
Where does the Spotfin sanddweller live?
The Spotfin sanddweller lives in fresh water and is mostly found around sand or mud bottom. Endemic to the south of Lake Tanganyika in East Africa.
How big does the Spotfin sanddweller get?
The Spotfin sanddweller grows to a maximum of about 10 cm.
Is the Spotfin sanddweller dangerous to humans?
No, the Spotfin sanddweller is harmless to humans. None required: this species is harmless to humans.
Is the Spotfin sanddweller edible?
The Spotfin sanddweller is rarely eaten.
More photos
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All data
Identification
Appearance
Habitat & distribution
Behaviour & biology
Safety
Status & sources
Same genus Xenotilapia
More from the family Cichlidae
Want the complete picture on the Spotfin sanddweller?
Point your camera at the fish and Fin names the species in seconds. Free, and the Spotfin sanddweller is one of 12,519 species in the app.