Natural Location: Lake Tanganyika, Spread throughout in muddy areas.
Habitat: Muddy Bottoms
Diet: Omnivorous
Max Size: Up to 5 inches
Temperature: 23-27
PH: 7.5 - 8.5
Triglachromis Otostigma is a unique species endemic to Lake Tanganyika. Inhabiting the muddy bottoms of the lake from depths of 2m-50m they have developed a unique way of finding food in water with poor visibility. The lowest rays of the pectoral fins separate from the other rays of the pectoral fin and not bound together by a membrane. The rays can be used to "feel" for food when it cannot be seen. In the wild, they feel through the mud feeding on Diatoms and Invertebrates.
When breeding, spawning takes place in a tunnel dug in the mud. Being bi-parental, both parents play a role in incubating the eggs. The eggs and fry are exchanged between them several times and are kept safe by the parents until they reach up to 2 inches. Juvenile Trigs display a very characteristic ocellated spot in the dorsal fin. There are theories that state this may be sex related and others that state that it may be displayed to reduce aggression from larger specimens, but both have yet to be proven.
Specimens can be sexed by their dorsal spines. The males first 2-3 spines are black and the rest have dark tips where as the female only has dark tips on all the spines
Male
Female
In the Aquarium, Trigs do better in a species tank. A tank of 100L will suffice for a bonded pair as they do not wander far from their territory. For a small group, 250-300L would be a minimum. Some references say they are a quiet, peaceful species, but in my experience, I have found them to be quite aggressive and highly territorial to their own kind and other species. They do however stay very close to their territory, moving away momentarily only to eat.
When setting up a tank for any fish, replicating their habitat is always a good idea. For Trigs, a deep substrate is essential as they love to dig and will use the substrate to form their territories, using it as boundaries. PVC pipes can be incorporated in the tank to provide tunnels for breeding and safety from other fish.
Trigs are very easy to spawn in captivity. Once a pair has bonded, they will form a strong bond and protect their territory viciously. After the initial spawn, if conditions are maintained they can spawn every 2-3 weeks, producing many, very small fry.
Remember that they are a deeper water fish so subdued lighting and less water movement makes them feel a little more comfortable.
