Slender cichlid
Cyprichromis leptosoma
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.
Recommended parameters
| Parameter | Recommended range |
|---|---|
| Temperature | 24–27 |
| pH | 8–9 |
| GH | 10–20 |
| KH | 10–20 |
| NO₃ | ≤ 20 |
| PO₄ | ≤ 1 |
Care
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.