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Fairy Cichlid

Neolamprologus brichardi

The Fairy Cichlid, also called the Neolamprologus Brichardi Cichlid, originates from the rocky Zambian coastal waters of Lake Tanganyika, Africa. This species is one of the smaller of the cichlids, only attaining a maximum size of 8cm. Their bodies are silver in color with a tan hue. The beauty is not necessarily from stunning colour, but rather their long and graceful filaments that adorn the unpaired fins of the adults. A fine specimen of N. brichardi will also have a beautiful blue pattern on its cheeks.

The Neolamprologus Brichardi Cichlid should be maintained in an aquarium of at least 100 litres with other smaller Tanganyikan cichlids. Incorporate plenty of rocks, shells and African driftwood in order to build caves. Provide a sandy bottom comprised of aragonite to maintain the necessary high pH and alkalinity, and for breeding purposes.

The Neolamprologus Brichardi Cichlid is a substrate spawner, and breeding is more difficult than most of the cichlids. This is a very slow growing species which may take a few years to reach sexual maturity. At that time, the males are typically larger than the females, attaining a size of about 8cm compared to 6cm with females. Provide a few inches of sand, and plenty empty shells for the female to lay their eggs. They are typically a substrate spawner; but also may lay their eggs within a shell. Incubation occurs in 3 to 4 days. To increase their survival rates, relocate the young to a separate aquarium after hatching. Feed the fry newly hatched brine shrimp and finely crushed flake food.

Their diet should contain meaty items such as blood worms, brine and mysis shrimp, carnivore flake and pellet foods.

Approximate Purchase Size: Small 2cm - 4cm

Due to variations within each species, your aquatic life may not look identical to the image provided.