Dickfeld's Juli / Julidochromis dickfeldi
Cichlids / Africa / Lake Tanganyika / Dickfeld's Juli
Profile: Dickfeld's Juli, Dickfeldi, Blue Julie, Brown Julie
Julidochromis dickfeldi Synonyms: None
Physical description: Very similar in body shape to J. ornatus. The body is light brown to yellow in color with three lateral stripes. The uppermost stripe runs along the ridge of the back to the base of the caudal fin. The lowest stripe runs from the snout, through the lower part of the iris of the eye, to the caudal fin. The dorsal fin is dark gray to black with a series of small whitish-yellow spots. This fin also has a white to violet edge. The anal and caudal fins have the same coloring and pattern. The pelvic fins are violet. Sometimes the belly is white.
Size/Length: 4" (10 cm)
Similar species: Two-stripe Chalinochromis ( Chalinochromis bifrenatus), some variations of J. ornatus .
Habitat: Eastern Africa; found at depths of 6-20 feet (2-6 m) on the Zambian shore of Lake Tanganyika. These fish are found in rocky areas.
S: bottom, middle
Aquarium: 32" (80 cm) or 30 gallons (114 L). See recommendations for J. ornatus.
Water chemistry: pH 7.5-9.0 (8.0), 10-20 dH (15), 73-81°F (23-27°C)
Social behavior: Each fish sets up a large territory to defend against others of its own species. In a tank too small, the weaker individual will likely be killed. Best kept in compatible pairs. A retreat for each fish is important.
Suggested companions: Julidochromis, Neolamprologus, Synodontis, Aulonocara, Lamprichthys, Afromastacembelus, adults can be combined with Altolamprologus.
FOOD: Live; Tubifex , insect larvae, aquatic insects, crustaceans; large flakes; pellets.
Sexual differences: Females are larger when mature.
Breeding techniques: See "Breeding of Cavity Brooders" in the introduction of Lake Tanganyika cichlids for information regarding obtaining a compatible pair. Keep only the compatible pair in a tank containing caves and other rock structures. Use water with a pH from 8.5-9.2, a water hardness from 8-12 dH, and a water temperature from 79-82°F (26-28°C). Usually about 40 eggs will be laid on the ceiling of a chosen cave. The eggs will be aggressively guarded by the parents. After hatching, two to three days later, the fry adhere themselves to the sides and ceiling of the cave. After four to six days, the fry emerge and can be fed on Artemia and crushed dry foods.
Breeding potential: 6. Spawning is fairly easy after a compatible pair is found.
Remarks: The most recent of Julidochromis species to be introduced to the hobby.
Difficulty of care: 5. A fine candidate for a community tank with other Lake Tanganyika Cichlids. Live foods should be included in this fish's diet.