Lobocilotes are beautiful and large cichlids. An adult male normally reaches up to 35 cm
in length.They are however very mean when kept in an aquarium. They are mean to other species and they are mean to their own. It is practically impossible to keep more than one male in an aquarium no matter how large it is. Due to this very aggressive behavior this Genus are very seldom seen in on the market.
Lobochilotes labiatus "Cituta" Photo: Ad Konings
If you have an empty tank that is, say 3 meters long or longer and buy a group of about 10subadult individuals you are of to a good start.
The males will most likely kill each other as they reach sexual majority but you might be left with a group of 1 male 3-4 females from the 10 so, there you go.
The genus Lobochilotes has only one species as of today. The fish is found all over Lake Tanganyika with very small visual differences.
The Genus Lobochilotes as it is known today
Lobochilotes Boulenger, 1915
Lobochilotes labiatus
Lobochilotes labiatus, Photo: Ad Konings
Lobochilotes labiatus "Magara", Photo: Ad Konings
Lobochilotes labiatus, Photo: Ad Konings