Tetrastigma Care Guide - Aquarium Setup, Diet & Breeding

Tetrastigma, also known as the Four-Spot Hap, is a robust Lake Malawi haplochromine cichlid with the elongated body and alert, purposeful swimming style typical of its group. Mature males can develop attractive blue tones across the head and body, contrasting with darker markings and the characteristic spot pattern that gives the species its common name. Females and juveniles are generally more subdued, often appearing silvery, grey or brownish with darker barring or spotting.

This species is an active and confident fish rather than a timid shoaling community fish. Males may become territorial, particularly when displaying or breeding, while females tend to spend more time moving across open substrate and investigating the surroundings. Its behaviour is best understood as that of a moderately assertive African cichlid that needs carefully chosen companions.

In the lake, Tetrastigmas inhabit areas where sand is interspersed with rocks, rubble and occasional vegetation or other cover. Their pointed, mobile mouths are suited to picking through the bottom for small invertebrates and other edible material. They are not specialist algae-scraping mbuna, although they may inspect rock surfaces while feeding.

Otopharynx tetrastigma is less commonly encountered than many of the better-known Malawi cichlids, but it is valued by aquarists for its attractive adult colouration and natural mouthbrooding behaviour. Males can vary in appearance according to locality, age and mood, so accurate identification and a reliable source are important when acquiring specimens.

Otopharynx tetrastigma is endemic to Lake Malawi in East Africa. It occurs in the lake’s sandy and rocky habitats, where it forages over the substrate and among scattered cover.

A single male with females or a compatible Malawi community should have an aquarium of at least 300 litres, with a footprint of roughly 120 cm by 45 cm; a larger tank is preferable for multiple males or mixed cichlid groups. Use fine sand or another smooth substrate so the fish can forage and excavate without damaging their mouths. Arrange sturdy rocks into broken territories and caves while leaving generous open swimming and feeding space. Strong biological filtration, good oxygenation, secure decor and regular maintenance are essential, and a lid is advisable because active cichlids may jump.

Males reach about 15 cm (6 in) in length, while females are usually smaller at around 11–12 cm (4.3–4.7 in).

Offer a varied omnivorous diet based on high-quality cichlid pellets and granules, supplemented with frozen or live foods such as mysis shrimp, brine shrimp and finely chopped seafood. Occasional spirulina-based foods can provide useful plant matter, but this species is not dependent on an algae-heavy mbuna diet. Feed modest portions once or twice daily, removing leftovers and taking care not to overfeed protein-rich foods.

Tetrastigmas can be kept with similarly sized, robust Lake Malawi haps and other moderately assertive open-water cichlids, provided the aquarium is spacious and territories are arranged carefully. Suitable companions may include peaceful-to-moderate haps such as Copadichromis and Placidochromis species, along with carefully selected larger Aulonocara. Avoid mixing them with highly aggressive mbuna, similarly patterned males, very small fish, or other Otopharynx that may hybridise or compete intensely. They should not be housed with South American community fish whose water and temperament requirements differ substantially.

Tetrastigmas are maternal mouthbrooders. A male displays around a chosen spawning site, usually on sand or a flat rock, while the female picks up the fertilised eggs and incubates them in her mouth for roughly three weeks. A breeding group is best formed with one male and several females, as persistent male attention can otherwise exhaust a single female. The female may release free-swimming fry among rocks, where they can be offered finely crushed flakes, baby brine shrimp and other suitably small foods.

Adult males are larger and more strongly coloured, commonly developing blue or blue-grey body and head markings with clearer patterning and more pronounced finnage. Females remain smaller and comparatively silver, grey or brown, while juveniles of both sexes can look alike.