The common name for Placidochromis phenochilus is the Star Sapphire Cichlid. Males of this species are utterly spectacular and keeping a group of P. phenochilus in a community tank is sure to please. This African cichlid is endemic to Lake Malawi Africa where it occurs in the northern part of the lake. It has been observed at Mdoka, Chisese, Chirwa Island and between Selewa and Kasinda and along the eastern coast at Msisi and Lupingu.

 

The Star Sapphire cichlid occurs in the intermediate sand/rock habitat as well as in sandy areas of the lake. And this species has been known to feed from sediment particles that have been expelled through the gills of larger sand digging species. Interestingly this gorgeous cichlid is on the IUCN Red List of Threat Species marked as LC or least concern presently because it doesn’t have known major widespread threats.

 

Placidochromis phenochilus are fairly peaceful cichlids which reach some six to seven inches in length. As stated males are just stunning, females are brownish-grey in color as are juvenile P. phenochilus. Males however sport a gorgeous blue color with metallic white blotches similar to OB Malawi peacock.

 

According to Sam Borstein P. phenochilus exhibit an interesting feeding pattern in the wild as a follower species. They have been observed to follow large sand sifting Haplochromie, Taeniolethrinops sp which sifts through the sand exposing invertebrates that P. phenochilus enjoy. In contrast in the aquarium this species are not picky and will accept typical prepared African cichlid foods. Keeping five to seven Placidochromis phenochilus in a six foot community tank will make for interesting gorgeous fish to enjoy.