Ophthalmotilapia ventralis (Boulenger 1898)

Eggs from the cleavage phase and larvae of up to 1.97 cm TL are mouthbrooded by female parents ranging from 6.5 to 7.5 cm SL (Ref. 86760).

Feeds on algae (Ref. 40115).

Found well off the slope, either solitary or in aggregation (Ref. 86760). Feed on microorganisms drifting by in plankton clouds. Females brood their young in the mouth (Ref. 86760). Release fry close to shore and near the surface (Ref. 6770).

aquarium: commercial

Ophthalmotilapia ventralis is a species of cichlid endemic to Lake Tanganyika where it is only known from the southern end of the lake. It can reach a length of 15 centimetres (5.9 in) TL. It can also be found in the aquarium trade.