endemic to Lake Tanganica. In nature this species lives in large groups

in depth of 100-150 meters. In home aquarium it will swim and inhabit

the upper water level. With its beautiful big eyes, its brilliant yellow chin

and with its beautiful blue stripes colors the tricoti is one of the most

amazing species in the lake. Unfortunately like in many Tanganyikan

species the females are colorless.

Photo by: Dr. Haim Sohat

Common Name - Blue and Gold Streak Benthochromis, tricoti, Giant Featherfin

Scientific Name - Benthochromis tricoti

Family - Cichlidae

Origin – Lake Tanganika, Africa.

Size – Up to 30 cm.
 
First discovered - Poll, 1948

Nutrition – Omnivores, in the wild the tricoti feeds on plankton and on small molluscs, In captivity it will

accept almost anything offered. High quality pellets and flakes are recommended for this magnificent fish.

Live and frozen foods along with Spirulina on a regular basis will improve its blue colors significantly.

Behavior - Peaceful

Maintenance and care - Benthochromis tricoti should be kept only in large tanks (350-400 litters) with

plenty of room to swim. Sandy substrate with small rock formation will give the tricoti homelike feeling.

The tricoti will thrive if kept in large numbers; 1-2 males with 5-6 females will create an astonishing school.

As tankmates they should be kept with non aggressive Tanganyikan cichlids such as Xenotilapia's and

Altolamprologuses. Due to their size they also can be kept with cyphotilapia's.

Water Parameters - Temperature: 23C-26C (73.4F- 78.8F), pH: 8-8.8

Breeding – The tricoti is one of the most difficult species to breed in captivity.

The female will lay her eggs on small hill built by the male or on a flat stone, it is essential to provide them

sandy substrate for their breeding. The female will lay one egg and the male will immediately fertilize this

egg, the female collects the egg and lays another one, about 10-12 eggs are layed during this process.

After 10 days the fry terminate their yolk sac but not yet released. The hold period is known to be very long

in this species. Fry can be fed with newly hatched brine shrimp or with high quality fry foods and then with

crushed food.