Bandi cichlid

Wallaceochromis signatus, the Bandi cichlid, is a small West African dwarf from Guinea's Bandi River. It shows crisp vertical bars and spotted fins with red highlights. Females carry a bold black spot at the base of the tail. Pairs use caves for spawning and guard eggs and fry, so you get real parental behavior in view.

• Maximum size: 7.9 cm SL
• Minimum tank: 30 US gallons
• Temperament: semi-aggressive
• Care level: intermediate
• Lifespan: 5-8 years
• Temperature: 22-27 C
• pH: 5-7
• Hardness: 1-8 dGH
• Diet: omnivore (small live/frozen foods, quality pellets, some vegetable matter)

Origin and natural setting

Native to the Bandi River in Guinea (West Africa), this species is associated with soft, acidic freshwater. Like many West African dwarfs, it is linked with shaded, structure-rich stream margins where cover is plentiful and current is not excessive.

Aquarium setup and water

A 30-gallon or larger tank lets a pair establish territory without constant conflict. Use plenty of structure: small caves (rocks, clay pots, coconut shells), wood, and plants or artificial cover to break sight lines. A fine sand or smooth, small-grain substrate is kinder to mouthparts and makes it easy for them to investigate the bottom.

Keep water soft and slightly acidic: pH 5-7, 1-8 dGH, at 22-27 C. Gentle to moderate filtration and subdued lighting suit them well. Stable, clean water is more important than chasing exact numbers.

Diet and feeding

An omnivore that does best on varied small foods. Offer a rotation of live or frozen fare (such as daphnia, cyclops, brine shrimp, or similar small items), a high-quality micro- to small-sized pellet, and a little vegetable matter. Several small feedings work better than one heavy meal.

Behavior and tankmates

Bandi cichlids are semi-aggressive and strongly territorial around a chosen cave, especially during breeding. In a well-structured tank they are active and bold without constantly harassing tankmates.

• Best kept as a single, compatible pair in a structured aquarium.
• Avoid boisterous or fin-nipping fish that ignore the species' need for soft, acidic water.
• Peaceful midwater fish that tolerate the same parameters can work as companions, provided there is space and cover.
• Expect increased aggression during spawning; consider a species-only setup if you want to raise fry.

Breeding

Captive breeding is documented. Pairs use small caves or tight crevices for egg laying. Both parents guard the site and later shepherd the fry, making their family life easy to watch. Females are typically more attached to the cave, while males patrol the surrounding area.

Soft, acidic water (within the ranges above) and plenty of cave choices help trigger spawning. Feed a variety of quality live and frozen foods to condition the pair. Once fry are free-swimming, they can be started on very small foods such as infusoria or microworms, then newly hatched brine shrimp as they grow.

Common problems and how to avoid them

• Hard, alkaline water: Leads to stress and poor condition. Keep within pH 5-7 and 1-8 dGH.
• Cramped layout: Straight sight lines invite chasing. Use caves, wood, and plants to break up space.
• One-dimensional diet: Rotate small live/frozen foods with quality pellets and a bit of veg.
• Poor maintenance: Sensitive to declining water quality. Keep up with regular, moderate water changes.