Fairy Cichlid - Neolamprologus Brichardi

Origin:. The Fairy Cichlid is widely distributed throughout the northern half of Lake Tanganyika, where it favours shallow, sediment-rich rocky habitats.. Tank Setup:. The best choice of substrate would be sand and the watermust be hard and alkaline. Rocks should be used to create small outcrops, ensuring that there are ample visual barriers.. Behavioural Traits:. Fairy Cichlids can be aggressive towards one another in the confines of the home aquarium, so broken lines of sight amongst the decor will help. These cichlids can be maintained in a species-only aquarium or as part of a Tanganyikan community with fish of similar temperament. Combining Fairy Cichlids with other species does not always work in the long run, as their breeding strategy of producing large numbers with generations of juveniles defending their burgeoning family and ever-growing home territory, will eventually leave no room for outsiders unless the aquarium is thoughtfully planned. This fish gives its name to the 'brichardi complex' of similar species such as gracilis, pulcher and olivaceous which share behavioural traits.. Diet:. Flake, green flake, slow-sinking pellets/granules, frozen foods such as vitamin-enriched brineshrimp, Mysis shrimp, chopped krill, mosquito larvae etc.. Synonyms. Lamprologus brichardi. Distribution. Lake Tanganyika, Africa.. Maximum Size. 9cm (3.5"). Temperature. 24-26°C. Water Parameters. Hard, alkaline conditions essential. pH: 8.0-9.0, dH: 15-25 degrees.. Compatibility. Tanganyikan cichlid community. Lighting. No special requirements. Sexual Dimorphism. In mature fish, the males are usually larger and develop longer anal and dorsal fins.. Feeding. Flake, granules and frozen foods