Burton's Mouthbrooder (Astatotilapia burtoni) is an intermediate-level freshwater fish that needs at least 40 gallons and 73-82°F. A small, hardy African cichlid whose females carry eggs in their mouths. Males are colorful and territorial, so keep one male with several females and give rocks, caves and hard, alkaline water.
Care facts at a glance
| Scientific name | Astatotilapia burtoni |
|---|---|
| Family | Cichlidae |
| Origin | Lake Tanganyika region and rivers, East Africa |
| Adult size | 3-4 in |
| Minimum tank | 40 gallons |
| Temperature | 73-82°F |
| pH | 7.5-9.0 |
| Temperament | Semi-aggressive, territorial males |
| Social behavior | Harem: one male with several females |
| Swim level | Mid to bottom |
| Difficulty | Intermediate |
| Diet | Omnivore: cichlid pellets, frozen foods, flakes |
| Typical lifespan | 5-8 years |
Quick tips
- Keep one male with several females.
- Use hard, alkaline water and rock caves.
- Choose tankmates that can hold their own.
San Diego water
Naturally suited to San Diego's hard, alkaline tap water once it is dechlorinated (the city uses chloramine, so use a conditioner that handles it). Learn the numbers in our San Diego tap water guide.
Before you buy
Make sure your tank is cycled (how to cycle a tank), check your numbers with the water testing guide, and use the compatibility guide to check tankmates. These are general ranges; individual fish and local water vary.
Find it at Pet Zone
Pet Zone Tropical Fish is a San Diego aquarium store with two locations. Stock changes daily, so call ahead if you are after a specific species or plant. Shop online at petzonesd.com.
4160 Convoy St, San Diego, CA 92111
(858) 987-0309
Open daily, 10am-6pm
Aquascaping, planted tanks
4266 University Ave, San Diego, CA 92105
(619) 283-1812
Closed Monday; Tue-Fri 10:30am-6pm, Sat 11am-6pm, Sun 11am-4pm
Monster fish, koi