Slender Cichlid

Cyprichromis leptosoma is an open-water pelagic cichlid that forms massive schools over rocky drop-offs in Lake Tanganyika. Multiple colour morphs exist depending on locality; male tails range from yellow to vivid blue while their bodies shimmer with iridescence. A maternal mouthbrooder ideally kept in groups of 12 or more for the most spectacular display.

Water: 24-27°C, pH 7.8-9.0, hard alkaline water. Tank: 200L+; open water in the upper-middle zone; rock backdrop for reference. Feeding: Quality carnivore flake and micro-pellet; frozen cyclops and Artemia nauplii. Behaviour: Shoaling species; dominant males colour up brilliantly; females mouthbrood 3-4 weeks. Compatibility: Neolamprologus brichardi, Julidochromis species, Altolamprologus, Frontosa.