Description

White Knight Cichlid – Pick Up In Store Only Conversation with Gemini

The White Knight cichlid, scientifically known as Sciaenochromis fryeri “White Knight,” is a popular and stunning African cichlid native to Lake Malawi.

Appearance and Size
Colouration: Males display a brilliant, iridescent white to pale blue body, often with a metallic sheen. Females are typically a more subtle, elegant white or a drab gray. Some variants may have a black spot near the eye.

Size: They can grow to a size of 6 to 8 inches (15 to 20 cm) in length, and some reports suggest they can reach up to 9 inches (23 cm).

Behaviour and Temperament
Temperament: The White Knight cichlid is considered semi-aggressive and territorial, especially the males during breeding. However, they are generally considered more peaceful than Mbuna cichlids.

Social Structure: It is recommended to keep one male with two to three females to reduce aggression and stress, as multiple males in a tank can lead to significant conflict.

Activity: They are active swimmers and are known for their predatory tendencies in the wild, feeding on smaller fish.

Tank and Water Requirements
Tank Size: A minimum tank size of 55-75 gallons (208-280 litres) is recommended for a single White Knight, but a larger tank of 75 gallons or more is ideal, especially if you plan to keep multiple fish.

Water Parameters:

Temperature: 75-82F (24-28C)

pH: 7.8-8.6 (alkaline)

Hardness: 10-20 dGH (hard water)

Tank Setup: To mimic their natural environment in Lake Malawi, the tank should have:

A sandy or fine gravel substrate.

Plenty of rocks, caves, and other decorations to create hiding spots and territories.

Open swimming areas for them to roam.

Diet
The White Knight cichlid is a carnivore. In the wild, they primarily eat smaller fish.

In a home aquarium, they should be fed a varied diet of high-quality cichlid pellets or flakes.

They also benefit from occasional protein-rich foods like frozen or live foods such as krill, shrimp, or bloodworms.

Avoid overfeeding, as this can lead to health issues like bloat.

Tank Mates
Good tank mates are other large, robust Lake Malawi cichlids that can handle their semi-aggressive nature.

Suitable companions include:

Other Haplochromis (Haps) and Peacock cichlids.

Larger Synodontis catfish, which are bottom-dwellers and can tolerate the water parameters.

It’s important to avoid housing them with overly timid or small fish, as they may become targets. You should also be cautious when introducing them to aggressive Mbuna cichlids, as they may be outcompeted for food and territory.

• Origin: Lake Malawi
• Adult Size: 23cm
• Social: Semi-aggressive
• Lifespan:
• Tank Level:
• Minimum Tank Size: 200 – 280 Litres
• Diet: Carnivore
• Care:
• pH: 7.8-8.6 (alkaline)
• Temperature: 24-28C