Native to the rocky shorelines of Lake Tanganyika in Africa, this fish thrives in aquariums with multiple rock formations and hiding coves. Though not as active as other cichlids, the Brichardi will dig in substrates and uproot plants. Therefore, care needs to be taken to ensure success of your aquatic plants. Since they are diggers, choose a soft sand or fine gravel substrate.

Interestingly, Brichardi Cichlids are the only known substrate-spawning cichlid that also schools. In the wild, multiple cichlid pairs will rear fry in a collective nursery. In the home aquarium, successful breeding requires strict water parameters of moderately alkaline, medium-hard water. Pairs of breeding fish form nuclear families.

Though more peaceful than other members of the Cichlidae family, Brichardi Cichlids will become territorial during mating. It is difficult to distinguish male from female on sight alone, however. Usually, the dorsal fin and tip of the caudal fin are slightly longer in males.

For optimal health, feed this omnivorous fish
cichlid pellets, flake foods, and
frozen foods, such as
brine shrimp,
mysis shrimp, and
Cyclops.

Approximate Purchase Size: 1″ – 2″