Xenotilapia leptura (Boulenger 1901)

When feeding, this species adopts a posture whereby the ventral body surface is held parallel to the rock surface, which is then approached closely to within 2 mm. While in this position, it takes a series of hard taps of the mouth on the rather plain epilithic algal mat during each feeding bout. This feeding behavior neither corresponds to grazing or browsing. Also feeds on particles floating on the water column (Ref. 13512).

Occurs in rocky habitats. Females form small to large schools, sometimes consisting of several hundreds of fish (Ref. 6770). Feeds on both filamentous and unicellular algae (Ref. 13512).

aquarium: commercial

Xenotilapia leptura is a species of cichlid endemic to Lake Tanganyika where it prefers areas with rocky substrates. This species can reach a length of 11 centimetres (4.3 in) TL. It can also be found in the aquarium trade.