Julidochromis marksmithi

Julidochromis marksmithi is one of the more recently described Julie cichlids from Lake Tanganyika, displaying a clean and boldly contrasted black-and-white checker or blotch pattern that distinguishes it from the closely related transcriptus and ornatus. Named in honour of British aquarist Mark Smith, the species quickly gained favour among Julie enthusiasts for its striking markings and lively, inquisitive demeanour.

Like all Julidochromis, marksmithi is a monogamous cave-spawner that forms long-term pair bonds. The pair defends a rocky territory energetically, with both male and female sharing duties at the spawning cave. The species shows the classic Julidochromis breeding strategy: small batches of adhesive eggs deposited on the cave ceiling, hatching in about three days, with fry free-swimming a week later.

Marksmithi does best in a well-structured rocky aquascape of 80 L or more. It is tolerant of a wide range of hard alkaline water parameters and adapts readily to captive conditions. It can be combined with other Tanganyika species occupying different ecological zones, such as shell-dwelling Neolamprologus on the sandy floor and Cyprichromis in the open water column.

Water: pH 7.8–9.0, GH 10–20, KH 8–16, temperature 24–27 °C; regular 20 % weekly changes. Tank: 80 L+; rocky aquascape with numerous caves; sand substrate; moderate flow. Feeding: Omnivore; quality cichlid pellets, flake, frozen Artemia and Cyclops; twice daily. Breeding: Cave-spawner; both parents guard; small successive clutches; fry accept Artemia nauplii. Compatibility: Compatible with sand-dwellers and open-water Cyprichromis; keep one pair per tank.