Chalinochromis bifrenatus<\/p>\n
Scientific Name: Chalinochromis bifrenatus<\/p>\n
Common Names: Bifrenatus Cichlid, Double-Banded Chalinochromis<\/p>\n
Overview
\nChalinochromis bifrenatus is a striking, peaceful cichlid species native to Lake Tanganyika in East Africa. This species is known for its vibrant colors and elongated body, adorned with two distinctive dark bands running across its body, hence the name “Double-Banded Chalinochromis.” A peaceful species that does well in community tanks, it is often favored for its calm nature compared to other cichlids. Like many Tanganyikan cichlids, Chalinochromis bifrenatus thrives in well-structured aquariums that mimic the rocky habitats of its native waters.<\/p>\n
Key Information
\nSize: 4\u20135 inches (10\u201313 cm)
\nLifespan: 5\u20137 years
\nTemperament: Peaceful, shy, and social when in groups
\nDiet: Omnivore
\nSwimming Level: Mid to upper<\/p>\n
Habitat & Tank Setup
\nTank Size: Minimum 30 gallons for a pair, larger for groups
\nGroup Size: Prefers to be kept in pairs or small groups (at least 3 individuals)
\nSubstrate: Fine sand or smooth gravel
\nDecor: Rocks, caves, and driftwood to create hiding spaces and territories
\nPlants: Hardy plants, especially floating plants (they may nibble on some plants)
\nLighting: Moderate to bright
\nFiltration: Good filtration with moderate water flow<\/p>\n
Water Parameters
\nTemperature: 74\u201382\u00b0F (23\u201328\u00b0C)
\npH: 7.5\u20139.0
\nHardness: Hard (10\u201320 dGH)
\nWater Quality: Clean, well-oxygenated water with regular water changes<\/p>\n
Feeding
\nDiet Type: Omnivore
\nSuitable Foods:
\nHigh-quality cichlid pellets or flakes
\nFrozen or live foods (brine shrimp, daphnia, bloodworms)
\nVegetables such as spinach, peas, and zucchini
\nFeeding Frequency: 1\u20132 times per day, in moderate portions<\/p>\n
Tankmates
\nCompatible With:
\nPeaceful cichlids from Lake Tanganyika, such as Cyprichromis and Neolamprologus species
\nLarger peaceful fish and catfish
\nSome species of freshwater shrimp and snails
\nAvoid:
\nAggressive or territorial fish
\nSmall or slow-moving fish<\/p>\n
Care Notes
\nPeaceful and best kept with other gentle species
\nNeeds hiding places and territories in the aquarium to feel secure
\nPrefers clean, stable water conditions with moderate to strong oxygenation
\nCan be shy and reclusive, especially if kept in small groups
\nDo not overcrowd, as this can lead to stress and territorial disputes<\/p>\n
Fun Fact
\nChalinochromis bifrenatus is known for its beautiful coloration, which intensifies when in prime health. Their peaceful nature makes them a popular choice among cichlid enthusiasts who are looking for a less aggressive cichlid to include in a Tanganyikan community tank!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
Chalinochromis bifrenatus Scientific Name: Chalinochromis bifrenatus Common Names: Bifrenatus Cichlid, Double-Banded Chalinochromis Overview Chalinochromis bifrenatus is a striking, peaceful cichlid species native to Lake Tanganyika in East Africa. This species is known for its vibrant colors and elongated body, adorned with two distinctive dark bands running across its body, hence the name “Double-Banded Chalinochromis.” A […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"featured_media":4111,"template":"","meta":[],"product_brand":[],"product_cat":[65],"product_tag":[],"class_list":{"0":"post-4112","1":"product","2":"type-product","3":"status-publish","4":"has-post-thumbnail","6":"product_cat-tanganyikan-cichlids","8":"first","9":"instock","10":"taxable","11":"shipping-taxable","12":"purchasable","13":"product-type-simple"},"group_of_quantity":0,"min_quantity":0,"max_quantity":"","exclude_order_quantity_value_rules":"no","exclude_category_quantity_rules":"no","combine_variations":"no","exclude_global_add_ons":[],"addons":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/aquadistribution.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/product\/4112","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/aquadistribution.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/product"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/aquadistribution.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/product"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/aquadistribution.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/4111"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/aquadistribution.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=4112"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"product_brand","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/aquadistribution.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fproduct_brand&post=4112"},{"taxonomy":"product_cat","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/aquadistribution.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fproduct_cat&post=4112"},{"taxonomy":"product_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/aquadistribution.co.uk\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fproduct_tag&post=4112"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}