Aquarist Species:  Callochromis melanostigma

Aquarist: Monty

Species Profile: Callochromis melanostigma

Description:   

Category:   Cichlids

Global Region:   Africa

Distribution:   

Aquarist Notes

Genetic Line:   Aquarium Strain

Year Acquired:   2025

Acquired 4, 1 3/4 inch sub adults (2M, 2F) on 12/05/2025. They haven't completely colored up but the males are easily distinguished from the females by the black spots and orange coloration of the dorsal and pelvic fins.

Spawning notes:

Species Spawned:   Yes

Males build bowers in the sand and coax females into them for spawning. Had 2 spawnings to date (17 February 2026). 1st spawn resulted in 19 eggs but most were not fertilized. 3 eggs hatched and fry lasted for 9 days. Fry died after a water change but I lost them due to a mistake. For the second spawn, I chose to leave the eggs with the female. She was either harassed to the point that she ate them, they were unfertilized or they just just went bad.