🌟 Lethrinops sp. 'Gold Harbour' (Gold Harbour Monkey Bay) – Live Freshwater Cichlid
Introduce a burst of golden brilliance to your aquarium with the Lethrinops sp. 'Gold Harbour', a captivating cichlid species endemic to Lake Malawi. Renowned for its shimmering golden-yellow body complemented by iridescent blue highlights, this species offers both visual appeal and engaging behavior, making it a prized addition for cichlid enthusiasts.​
 
🐟 Key Features:
Scientific Name: Lethrinops sp. 'Gold Harbour'
Common Name: Gold Harbour Monkey Bay
Origin: Lake Malawi, Africa
Adult Size: Up to 15–18 cm (6–7 inches)
Lifespan: 5–7 years with proper care
Temperament: Peaceful to mildly aggressive; suitable for community tanks with similar-sized cichlids
Diet: Omnivorous; thrives on a varied diet of high-quality cichlid pellets, flakes, and occasional live or frozen foods like brine shrimp and bloodworms
 
🏡 Aquarium Requirements:
Minimum Tank Size: 200 liters (approximately 55 gallons)
Water Temperature: 23–28°C (74–82°F)
pH Level: 7.4–8.4
Water Hardness: Hard
Tank Setup: Mimic their natural sandy habitat with open spaces for foraging and rock formations or caves for shelter. A sandy substrate is ideal as they exhibit sand-sifting behavior.​
 
🧬 Breeding & Behavior:
Lethrinops sp. 'Gold Harbour' are maternal mouthbrooders. Females carry fertilized eggs in their mouths until the fry are ready to be released, typically after three weeks. During breeding, males display intensified coloration and may become territorial.​
 
🤝 Compatibility:
This species is best housed with other peaceful to mildly aggressive Lake Malawi cichlids of similar size. Suitable tank mates include species from the Haplochromis and Aulonocara genera. Avoid housing with overly aggressive species to prevent stress and ensure harmonious cohabitation.