CICHLID – AFRA / DOGTOOTH COBUE
Cynotilapia afra “Cobue”
$16.99
The Afra Cichlid, also known as the Dogtooth Cichlid, is endemic to the northwest side of Lake Malawi along rocky areas of the shoreline. Afra may be referred to as a ‘mbuna’, which is a general term to characterize various Malawian cichlid species that share a similar body shape and belligerent temperament. The Afra is one of the more aggressive African cichlids, and therefore should not be mixed with species that prefer a more peaceful environment such as Aulonocara. Afra are bluish in color, with faint vertical stripes along the flanks and yellow fins. Male Afras are more colorful than females. Most African cichlids do best in a somewhat overcrowded tank to spread out or reduce aggression; this is absolutely necessary to house Afra successfully. Avoid housing this species with Pseudotropheus spp., as they are known to interbreed. An adult Afra can reach a size of approximately 4″.
Care Level: Easy
Temperament: Aggressive
Live Plant Safe: No
General Description: The Afra Cichlid, also known as the Dogtooth Cichlid, is endemic to the northwest side of Lake Malawi along rocky areas of the shoreline. Afra may be referred to as a ‘mbuna’, which is a general term to characterize various Malawian cichlid species that share a similar body shape and belligerent temperament. The Afra is one of the more aggressive African cichlids, and therefore should not be mixed with species that prefer a more peaceful environment such as Aulonocara. Afra are bluish in color, with faint vertical stripes along the flanks and yellow fins. Male Afras are more colorful than females. Most African cichlids do best in a somewhat overcrowded tank to spread out or reduce aggression; this is absolutely necessary to house Afra successfully. Avoid housing this species with Pseudotropheus spp., as they are known to interbreed. An adult Afra can reach a size of approximately 4″.
Diet Requirements: Afra are primarily herbivorous and such foods should make up a large portion of their diet. Various high quality vegetable and spirulina based flake foods and sinking pellet foods are ideal. Frozen spirulina brine shrimp can be fed in moderation. Blanched vegetables are excellent options. Variety is the spice of life in order to maintain color, immune function and longevity of your fish. Afra should not be fed a diet high in protein, and avoid beef heart altogether, as this disturbs their digestive system.
Care Requirements: An established minimum 75 gallon aquarium is ideal for immature or small Afra. Biweekly water changes are encouraged to keep water parameters up to standard (Nitrates < 30 ppm). The aquarium should be aquascaped generously with stacked rocks to create many hiding spaces and caves, but some unobstructed and open swimming space should also be provided. A sandy or fine substrate is preferred and the aquarium needs to be well oxygenated. African cichlid specific substrates, or even marine Aragonite substrate, are great choices because they will buffer the pH and alkalinity to levels characteristic of Lake Malawi. Afra will do well with other Malawian cichlids that are also pugnacious in nature. Recommended water conditions, 74-80° F, KH 10-25, pH 7.5-8.5.
Purchase Size: Medium: 2-1/2” to 3”
Note: Your item may not look identical to the image provided due to variation within species. Purchase sizes are approximate.
Dry goods orders are shipped via US Postal Service or UPS to the address provided at checkout based on the selection made in your website shopping cart. Product is carefully packed to help prevent any damage during shipping. Once processed you will receive a shipment notification via email with tracking number, and delivery notification. Please allow 48 hours for processing after your order is placed.
Perishable items (i.e. live plants, refrigerated/frozen foods) are shipped via US Postal Service 2-3 day to the address provided at checkout for a $25.00 flat rate charge. Items are packed with secure packing material and heat, cold, or Cryo packs as needed to maintain safe temperatures during transit. If one or more perishable items are in the shopping cart at checkout the $25.00 perishable shipping charge will automatically appear and need to be selected. Once processed you will receive a shipment notification via email with tracking number. Please allow 48 hours for processing after your order is placed.
Livestock (i.e. fish, invertebrates, coral) are shipped via UPS Overnight to the address provided at checkout for a $55.00 flat rate charge. Livestock is packed in insulated styrofoam boxes with secure packing material and heat, cold, or Cryo packs as needed to maintain safe temperatures during transit. If one or more livestock items are in the shopping cart at checkout the $55.00 livestock shipping charge will automatically appear and need to be selected. Livestock is shipped Monday through Wednesday ONLY (no weekend delivery is available) weather permitting, and we reserve the right to delay shipping until conditions are appropriate for safe arrival. Once your order is placed we will contact you to arrange the best shipping date based on these criteria. Someone must be available to receive the livestock order on the first delivery attempt. Once processed you will receive a shipment notification via email with tracking number. Please allow 48 hours for processing after your order is placed.
For mixed dry goods/perishable & livestock orders items will be shipped via their corresponding shipping methods outlined above. Dry goods will be shipped via US Postal Service or UPS based on your selection and checkout, while livestock will ship via UPS Overnight for a $55.00 flat rate charge. You will receive separate notifications and tracking numbers for the dry goods and livestock. Please note due to different carriers and shipping methods dry goods and livestock may arrive on different days.
Related products
ALGAE EATER – SIAMESE / SAE
Crossocheilus oblongus
$7.99 – $24.99
CATFISH – OTOCINCLUS
Otocinclus vittatus
$6.99
CICHLID – RAM GERMAN BLUE
Mikrogeophagus ramirezi
$12.99 – $24.99
ANGELFISH – FW KOI
Pterophyllum scalare
$14.99 – $59.99
MINNOW – WHITE CLOUD MOUNTAIN GOLD
Tanichthys albonubes
$5.99
ANGELFISH – FW SILVER
Pterophyllum scalare
$9.99 – $39.99
AXOLOTL – WILD TYPE
Ambystoma mexicanum
$59.99 – $99.99
