Greenwoodochromis bellcrossi

Greenwoodochromis bellcrossi is one of the most rarely kept of all Lake Tanganyika cichlids. It inhabits deep, rocky areas of the lake at depths rarely targeted by commercial collectors, accounting for its extreme scarcity in the trade. Adults display fine vertical dark bars on a pale to silver background.

Very little is documented about captive husbandry. Based on its Lamprologini tribal affinity it is presumed to be a cave-spawning substrate brooder, but captive breeding records are exceedingly rare. Large aquariums with extensive rockwork and excellent water quality are the starting point.

For the Tanganyika collector who has mastered all common species, G. bellcrossi represents the ultimate horizon — a fish of extraordinary rarity and scientific interest.

Water: 24–27°C, pH 7.8–9.0, GH 10–18, KH 8–16; very high water quality; avoid any nutrient accumulation. Tank: 400 L minimum; deep, complex rockwork replicating natural deep-rock habitat. Feeding: Large cichlid pellets; frozen shrimp, Mysis, krill, and whitebait; feed twice daily. Breeding: Presumed cave spawner; captive breeding extremely rare; pair bonding likely essential. Compatibility: Semi-aggressive; keep with robust Tanganyika species of similar size; no small fish.