Teleogramma brichardi

Teleogramma brichardi is found in the lower Congo River rapids, where its elongated, cylindrical body allows it to shelter within narrow rock crevices and under ledges in powerful white-water. It is the best-known of the three Teleogramma species and unique among cichlids in that females are considerably more colourful than males in breeding dress — the female develops intense orange-red lateral bands while the male remains comparatively drab.

In the aquarium, T. brichardi requires strong directional water movement and a rocky layout with narrow crevices for shelter and spawning. It is a cavity-spawner with the female guarding eggs inside the crevice. The species is carnivorous and prefers live and frozen invertebrate foods.

Well-oxygenated water at pH 6.0–7.5 with moderate hardness suits this species well. This is an advanced fish due to its high water-flow requirements and relative sensitivity to poor water quality, not due to its temperament.

Water: 24–27°C, pH 6.0–7.5, moderate hardness (GH 5–15, KH 3–10); very high water movement essential. Tank: 100 L minimum; flat rocks, slate, and narrow crevice hides positioned against strong current. Feeding: Live and frozen invertebrates preferred — bloodworm, brine shrimp, small crustaceans; rarely accepts dry food initially. Breeding: Cavity-spawner; female guards eggs in crevice — remove all other fish during breeding. Compatibility: Species tank strongly recommended; possibly with very fast rheophilic companions such as goby loaches.