Julidochromis regani 'Kipili'

The Kipili population of Julidochromis regani is one of the most attractive regional variants of this widespread species. Specimens from the rocky Kipili coastline on the Tanzanian shore display a warm yellow-cream body suffusion with a single bold black lateral stripe running from snout to caudal peduncle, and yellow-tipped fin margins. The colouration intensifies significantly when the fish is in peak breeding condition.

Regani 'Kipili' is a monogamous cave-spawner that forms strong long-term pair bonds. Once established the pair will spawn repeatedly in the same cave site, producing small successive clutches throughout the year. Both parents share guard duties, though the female takes the primary role close to the eggs while the male defends the outer boundary.

This is a hardy and beginner-friendly Julie that tolerates a wider range of water parameters than many Tanganyika specialists. A rocky aquascape with numerous crevices and caves in a 80 L or larger aquarium will allow a pair to establish a comfortable territory and breed consistently. It integrates well into Tanganyika community tanks alongside sandy-zone shell dwellers and open-water Cyprichromis.

Water: pH 7.8–9.0, GH 10–20, KH 8–16, temperature 24–27 °C. Tank: 80 L; rocky caves essential; sand substrate; moderate flow. Feeding: Cichlid pellets and flake as staple; supplement with frozen Artemia and Cyclops. Breeding: Cave-spawner; biparental; successive small clutches; fry accept Artemia nauplii. Compatibility: Keep one pair per tank; compatible with Neolamprologus shell dwellers and Cyprichromis.