Slender cichlid

Cyprichromis leptosoma

Family : Cichlidae

FishFreshwatercichlid

Schooling pelagic cichlid with a slender body and colorful fins.

Slender cichlid — photo 1 sur 4
regani · Wikimedia Commons · Public domain1 / 4
Popularity
Biotope specialist
requires biotope recreation
Availability
Specialty only
Shop availability
IUCN Status
LC
Least Concern
Biotope
Lake Tanganyika
Lac africain, eau dure, cichlidés Tropheus, Cyprichromis.

Description

Cyprichromis leptosoma reaches 12 cm. It has an elongated and laterally compressed body, adapted for open water swimming. Males are more colorful than females, with elongated dorsal and anal fins often blue or yellow. It is a maternal mouthbrooder: the female holds eggs in her mouth. It lives in schools of several individuals and is very peaceful. Its schooling behavior is spectacular. It feeds on plankton in the wild.

Habitat

Region :

Open water columns, near rocky cliffs

Distribution :

Recommended parameters

Temperature2427 °C
pH89
GH1020 °dGH
KH1020 °dKH
NO₃
≤ 20 mg/L
PO₄
≤ 1 mg/L

Care

Difficulty
3/5
Diet
Carnivore
Min. tank
200 L
Min. group
8
Adult size
12 cm
Lifespan
8 years
Temperament
Peaceful
Propagation

Care notes

Temperature 24-27°C, pH 8-9, GH 10-20, KH 10-20. A large tank of at least 200 liters is needed for a school of 8-10 individuals. Diet should be varied: brine shrimp, daphnia, small floating pellets. They are very peaceful and compatible with other non-aggressive Tanganyikan cichlids. Avoid overly slow or territorial fish. Moderate filtration with good water flow is appreciated. Regular water changes are important. Nitrates should remain low.

Similar species

Espèces proches, même habitat ou même maintenance

References