RGG Glitter

Five centimeters of glitter, ruling alkaline waters with outsized aggression.

RGG Glitter is a striking 5–6 cm hard-water cichlid with a bold, aggressive nature — ideal for experienced keepers of high-pH African-style aquariums.

• Water Conditions: The RGG Glitter is a hard-water, alkaline-loving species and simply will not thrive in the soft, acidic conditions that suit most community fish. Aim for a pH of 7.8–8.6 (8.0–8.4 is the sweet spot), a general hardness (GH) of 10–20 dGH and a carbonate hardness (KH) of 8–15 dKH. Temperature should sit between 24–27°C (75–81°F) — stable and consistent rather than fluctuating. Ammonia and nitrite must read zero at all times, with nitrates kept below 20 ppm. Never use peat filtration, blackwater extracts, Indian almond leaves or CO2 injection in this setup, as each one drags the pH down and stresses the fish. Because hard water leaves minerals behind when it evaporates, top up with RO or distilled water rather than tap, and carry out a 25–30% water change weekly using water that has been pre-matched for temperature and chemistry. Strong surface agitation and high dissolved oxygen are essential — this is an active, high-metabolism fish.
• Tank Size & Aquascape: A single specimen needs a minimum of 90 cm of tank length, with 100 litres or more being far safer once rockwork and filtration are accounted for. Build the aquascape around rock — stacked boulders, caves, crevices and broken sight lines — over a soft sand substrate. This species is territorial and needs clearly defined boundaries; a rock-pile layout lets subordinate fish retreat out of view, which dramatically reduces aggression. Filtration should turn the tank over six to eight times per hour, ideally a canister filter supplemented by a powerhead or wavemaker. Keep lighting moderate and use a dark background so the metallic glitter in the flanks really pops. A tight-fitting lid is non-negotiable — these fish are accomplished jumpers and will find any gap.
• Tank Mates: Choose companions carefully. Peaceful, slow-moving or long-finned fish such as guppies, bettas, angelfish, mollies and small tetras will be bullied, nipped or chased relentlessly, and soft-water species will sicken in the alkaline conditions anyway. Excellent choices include other robust Rift Lake-style cichlids of similar size and temperament, Synodontis catfish such as S. lucipinnis or S. petricola, bristlenose plecos (which adapt well to hard, alkaline water), and larger rainbowfish or giant danios that tolerate high pH. Bottom-dwellers work well because they occupy a different zone of the tank. If keeping a group, aim for one male to three or more females, or a crowded "controlled chaos" arrangement where aggression is spread across many targets. Adding a newcomer? Rearrange the rockwork at the same time — it resets established territories and gives the new arrival a fighting chance. Never mix this fish with invertebrates; snails and shrimp will be treated as snacks.
• Feeding Habits: An omnivore with a strongly carnivorous leaning, the RGG Glitter is an eager, greedy feeder that will take food from mid-water and from the substrate. Offer a high-quality sinking cichlid pellet of around 1 mm as the dietary base — sinking rather than floating, so it does not gulp air at the surface. Supplement two or three times a week with frozen or live foods: brine shrimp, mysis, daphnia, cyclops and the occasional bloodworm. A spirulina or algae-based pellet once or twice a week supports digestion and helps maintain vivid colour. Feed two to three small portions daily — only as much as the fish clears in two minutes — and give one fasting day per week to prevent bloat and fatty liver disease. Avoid beef heart, mammal-derived fats and feeder fish, all of which are linked to intestinal problems in cichlids. Soaking pellets briefly before feeding improves uptake and reduces the risk of dry food swelling inside the gut.
• Care & Maintenance: This is a hardy species, but only when its water is right. Test pH, KH, GH and nitrate weekly with a liquid test kit — strip tests are too imprecise for hard-water systems. Vacuum the sand during each water change to remove trapped detritus, and rinse filter sponges in removed tank water only, never under the tap. Quarantine all new livestock for two to four weeks before introduction to protect against whitespot, velvet and internal parasites. Watch for the tell-tale signs of aggression or stress: clamped fins, torn edges, hiding, colour loss or a sudden refusal to feed. If bullying escalates, remove the aggressor for a few days or rearrange the decor rather than waiting for injuries to appear. Acclimatise new arrivals by drip method over 45–60 minutes, as a pH swing between bag and tank is the single most common cause of new-fish losses. Handle with a soft net or container, use copper-based medications with caution, and expect a well-cared-for specimen to live five to eight years — an investment in stable water and a well-planned tank that repays itself many times over.