Fairy Cichlid

Neolamprologus brichardi is endemic to the rocky shores of Lake Tanganyika around Brichards Bay and is famous for its unique cooperative breeding system where older offspring assist in guarding younger siblings. Its elegant elongated fins and cream-coloured body with lyre-shaped tail make it one of the most graceful Tanganyika cichlids. A colony of a dozen or more provides a spectacular display.

Water: 24-27°C, pH 7.8-9.0, hard alkaline water; regular water changes required. Tank: 120L minimum for a colony; dense stacked rockwork to mimic natural reef habitat. Feeding: Quality flake and small pellet; supplement with frozen cyclops or baby brine shrimp. Behaviour: Forms large colonies; offspring of previous spawns guard the current brood. Compatibility: Cyprichromis leptosoma overhead, Neolamprologus multifasciatus in sand zone.