Malawi sand-diver

The Malawi sand-diver is a large cichlid in the family Cichlidae, endemic to Lake Malawi in East Africa. It lives over open sandy areas of the lake floor. Mature males are strikingly colored with iridescent blue and patterned flanks, while females and juveniles are silvery with dark blotches. When threatened it dives into the sand to escape, a behavior that gives it its name. It is relatively peaceful for a large Malawi cichlid but needs plenty of room. A very large aquarium with a deep sand bed for digging, hard alkaline water, and open swimming space suits it best. It sifts sand for invertebrates and food and accepts prepared cichlid diets alongside meaty foods. A maternal mouthbrooder, it can be bred in spacious setups. Suited to intermediate keepers with large tanks.