Tramitichromis brevis

Male Tramitichromis brevis at Mara Point. Photo by Ad Konings​

Widespread throughout Lake Malawi, Tramitichromis brevis spend their time over the muddy or sandy bottom at a depth of about 50 feet. Their food source of small invertebrates is caught by scooping up mouthfuls of sand and sifting it out their gills as seen in the picture above. In the wild, males will build crater nest in the sand in order to attract females.

Tramitichromis brevis is found in the hobby usually going by the names "Lethrinops variabilis" and "Lethrinops chizumulu". Males grow over 6" in length and can be a little territorial when breeding. A large tank with a sandy bottom is best, especially to encourage their natural feeding and spawning behavior. Best kept in groups of many females to each male. To discuss T. brevis visit the Lake Malawi Species forum.