Teleogramma gracile

Teleogramma gracile is the most elongated and gracile of the three described Teleogramma species, with a particularly cylindrical body and fine, delicate finnage. Found in the Congo River rapids, it occupies the narrowest, deepest rock crevices where its extreme body form gives it a competitive advantage over its congeners. Breeding females develop a vivid red lateral stripe, making them unmistakable in the aquarium.

As with all Teleogramma, T. gracile is a carnivore that does best on live and high-quality frozen invertebrate foods, and requires very strong water movement replicating the Congo rapids habitat. It is a cavity-spawner with the female guarding the egg clutch inside narrow rock slits.

This is strictly a species for advanced rheophilic cichlid specialists. Keeping T. gracile in suboptimal water movement conditions leads to rapid deterioration in health and colour. A species tank with a purpose-built rapids system is the ideal approach.

Water: 24–27°C, pH 6.0–7.5, moderate hardness (GH 5–15, KH 3–10); maximum water movement required. Tank: 100 L rapids-style species tank; very narrow rock crevices against powerhead outlet. Feeding: Live and frozen bloodworm, brine shrimp, and small invertebrates; dry food rarely accepted. Breeding: Narrow cavity-spawner; female guards eggs — species tank essential for breeding success. Compatibility: Species tank only for this specialist rheophile.