Brichardi | Neolamprologus brichardi

Cichlids / Africa / Lake Tanganyika / Brichardi

Profile: Lyretail Cichlid, Fairy Cichlid, Brichardi
Neolamprologus brichardi Synonyms: Lamprologus brichardi, Lamprologus savoryi elongatus.
Physical description: An elongated fish with a characteristic "lyretail." The tips of the caudal fin are exceptionally long. The body color is a creamy-white to beige with tiny yellow splotches on the rear part of the body. The eye is bright blue and a dark bar runs from the eye, back to the gill cover. A gold spot is located just above this marking. The fins have blue-white edges.
Size/Length: To 4" (10 cm)
Similar species: Savoryi (N. savoryi), Daffodil Brichardi ( Neolamprologus sp. "daffodil")
Habitat: Eastern Africa; rocky shorelines of Lake Tanganyika.
S: bottom, middle
Aquarium: 30" (75 cm) tank with a volume of 20-25 gallons (75-98 L). Use a rocky set-up with caves, crevices, and tunnels. A retreat for each is important. Use a coral sand substrate. Leave open swimming areas.
Water chemistry: pH 7.5-9 (8.0), 8-22 dH (16), 72-77°F (22-25°C).
Social behavior: A peaceful fish, that outside of spawning times, likes to form schools. Provide retreats so that alienated fish can find shelter. Pairing occurs during the spawning season. Forms a nuclear family.
Suggested companions: Julidochromis, Neolamprologus, Cyprichromis, Synodontis, Lamprologus, Aulonocara, Lamprichthys, Rainbowfish.
FOOD: Live; crustaceans, insect larvae, aquatic insects, Tubifex; flakes; pellets.
Sexual differences: Difficult to distinguish. The dorsal and caudal tips are longer on the male.
Breeding techniques: A small, 24" (61 cm) tank with a volume of 15 gallons (56 L) breeding tank can be used. Place a pair in the tank which should also include a number of caves and crevices. Use water with the properties as mentioned above. The temperature should be warmer, 77-84°F (25-29°C). Up to 200 eggs are laid deep inside a cleaned cave, often out of view for the aquariast. The parents receive aide in caring for the young from the siblings of prior spawnings. Start feeding with Artemia and fine-grade dry foods. The fry are slow-growing
Breeding potential: 6. Breeding is moderately difficult.
Remarks: Make frequent partial water changes.
Difficulty of care: 4. A peaceful, little cichlid that is excellent for a Neolamprologus or sand cichlid community tank.