Care Level: Advanced

Temperament: Peaceful

Live Plant Safe: Yes

General Description: The Cyprichromis Leptosoma Cichlid, also known as the Sardine Cichlid or referred to as just Cyprichromis for short, are endemic to open waters adjacent to rocky slopes of Lake Tanganyika in Africa. Cyprichromis are a unique-looking cichlid, having a more streamlined body shape. Males are more colorful than females, though color and patterning of Cyprichormis vary to the collection locale of Lake Tanganyika with at least 6 geographic color forms circulating in the aquarium trade. For the Cyprichromis leptosoma, adult males will have a neon blue body and bright yellow or blue tail. Adult females will have a beige body with a sheen of blue. Keep in mind that most individuals for sale are young, with males in particular having not yet reached their full potential. Cyprichromis 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 Cyprichromis. Cyprichromis are extremely gregarious in nature, with several thousand individuals gathering to shoal and feed on organisms suspended in the water column. Given this behavior, Cyprichromis absolutely need to be kept in groups of at least ten individuals but more are encouraged. The larger the group, the more secure your Cyprichromis will feel as they can be quite nervous otherwise. The group will ideally include several males that are greatly outnumbered by females. Having multiple males will ensure their best coloration is displayed as they try to gain the attention of females, and even the more subordinate males will show good color in this species. An adult Cyprichromis will grow to approximately 5″, with females averaging slightly smaller than males.

Diet Requirements: Foods should be carefully curated to the small mouths of Cyprichromis. 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. Cyprichromis 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 125 gallon aquarium is ideal for a group of Cyprichromis, as they need a lot of space given their activity level. A secure lid is also needed as these fish have been known to jump. Cyprichromis cannot be put into a biologically immature aquarium, as they are sensitive to ammonia and nitrite. Frequent, small water changes are needed to keep water parameters pristine (Nitrates < 15 ppm). Filtration and water movement should be generous. Given that this species spends its time in the open water, a lot of unobstructed swimming space in the medium and top portion of the aquarium should be provided. Otherwise, a finer substrate is needed for the bottom along with some stacked rocks in areas to create caves, outcrops or sloped walls for visual barriers. 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. Cyprichromis are best kept as a species only tank, though they have been observed to be compatible with other peaceful Tanganyikan cichlid species, particularly Paracyprichromis and shell-dwellers. Recommended water conditions, 76-82° F, KH 10-25, pH 7.8-9.0.

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.