Cyprichromis pavo

Cyprichromis pavo is among the most visually spectacular of all open-water Lake Tanganyika cichlids, with mature males displaying an iridescent peacock-blue body and contrasting yellow or white fin lobes that shimmer under aquarium lighting. Like all Cyprichromis, pavo is a maternal mouthbrooder that breeds in open water — males establish vertical display columns, competing with each other to attract passing females.

In the aquarium a school of at least eight to ten individuals is needed to observe natural social behaviour and trigger breeding. The species is entirely peaceful toward other fish and actually benefits from the presence of calm tankmates as their movements help stimulate the natural flocking and display behaviour of the Cyprichromis. A tall aquarium of 150 L or more with an unobstructed mid-water zone is ideal.

Cyprichromis pavo is moderately demanding: it requires hard alkaline water, good water movement, and a varied diet of zooplankton-based frozen foods. Poor water quality or bullying from larger cichlids causes stress, pale colouration, and failure to breed. Given appropriate conditions and tankmates, however, it is one of the most rewarding open-water cichlids available for the Tanganyika enthusiast.

Water: pH 7.8–9.0, GH 10–20, KH 8–16, temperature 24–27 °C; good flow and oxygenation. Tank: 150 L+; tall tank preferred; open mid-water swimming zone; minimal mid-column decor. Feeding: Frozen Artemia, Cyclops, Daphnia; quality cichlid micro pellets; twice daily. Breeding: Maternal mouthbrooder; open-water spawning; female holds ~3 weeks; release fry to separate tank. Compatibility: Peaceful; ideal upper-layer companion for Lamprologine shell dwellers and bottom-zone species.