Care Level: Advanced

Temperament: Peaceful

Live Plant Safe: Yes

General Description: The Blue Neon Cichlid, also known as the Herring Cichlid or sometimes referred to by its genus name Paracyprichromis, are endemic to deeper waters of Lake Tanganyika in Africa. Here, males tend to hang near rocky overhangs or caves while females loosely shoal in more open water above the rocky substrate. Blue neon cichlids are a unique-looking cichlid, having a more streamlined body shape. Both males and females of this species are stunning, having a peachy-beige base color with thin horizontal neon blue-purple stripes and neon markings in the fins. Females are just slightly duller than males. Color and patterning may also vary to the collection locale of Lake Tanganyika. Keep in mind that most individuals for sale are young, having not yet reached their full potential. The best way to observe the natural beauty of Blue neon cichlids is by housing them in a deep tank where the light is more filtered out near the bottom or to use dimmer lighting on a standard aquarium. Their coloration (and how it is viewed) is a result of living in a deep water environment. Blue neon cichlids are very peaceful and delicate, and therefore should not be kept with aggressive species as they will be easily bullied; this will also reduce the spectacular color of your Blue neon cichlids. Finally, Blue neon cichlids are best kept in groups of 8 individuals or more. The group ideally would be a single male with females, but three or more males can be successfully kept together if there are enough females for each male to create their own harem. An adult Blue neon cichlid will grow to approximately 4.5″, with females averaging slightly smaller than males.

Diet Requirements: Foods should be carefully curated to the small mouths of the Blue neon cichlid. A diet made up of various high quality protein and vegetable based foods are ideal. Such options include frozen brine shrimp, cyclops, daphnia and blood worms, and foods containing Spirulina algae are a plus. Blue neon cichlids may also accept sinking pellet foods and flake foods as a staple, but these should not make up the majority of their diet. Variety is the spice of life in order to maintain color, immune function and longevity of your fish.

Care Requirements: An established minimum 75 gallon aquarium is ideal for a group of Blue neon cichlids. This species cannot be put into a biologically immature aquarium. Frequent, small water changes are needed to keep water parameters pristine (Nitrates < 15 ppm). The aquarium should have a finer substrate and the bottom and middle part of the aquarium should have stacked or vertical rocks to create many hiding spaces and caves. The upper part of the aquarium is best left open. African cichlid specific substrates, or even marine Aragonite substrate, are great choices because they will buffer the pH and alkalinity to levels characteristic of Lake Tanganyika that is needed for this species to thrive and spawn, if desired. Blue neon cichlids are best kept as a species only tank, though they have been observed to be compatible with other peaceful Tanganyikan cichlid species, particularly Cyprichromis and shell-dwellers. Recommended water conditions, 76-82° F, KH 8-25, pH 7.5-9.0.

Purchase Size: Medium: 1-1/2” to 2”

Note: Your item may not look identical to the image provided due to variation within species. Purchase sizes are approximate.