Chalinochromis Brichardi (Chalinochromis brichardi) Care Guide

Slender Tanganyika rock-dweller with light tan body and a series of dark facial markings resembling bridges. Reaches 12 cm. Cave-spawning pair bonder, related to Julidochromis.

Overview

Chalinochromis brichardi is a species in the family Cichlidae. Slender Tanganyika rock-dweller with light tan body and a series of dark facial markings resembling bridges. Reaches 12 cm. Cave-spawning pair bonder, related to Julidochromis.

Taxonomy

Family: Cichlidae
Genus: Chalinochromis
Scientific name: Chalinochromis brichardi
Other names: Bridgeface Cichlid
Origin: Africa, Lake Tanganyika

Habitat

Endemic to Lake Tanganyika, inhabiting rocky shorelines. Closely related to Julidochromis; forms monogamous pairs that defend rocky territories and spawn in crevices. Juveniles show dark stripes that fade in adults, leaving a plain cream body with facial markings.

Tank requirements

Minimum tank volume: 200 L
Temperature: 24-27 °C
pH: 8.5-9.2
GH: 12-25 °dGH
Adult size: 10-13 cm
Lifespan: 6-10 years
Difficulty: intermediate

Diet

Classified as carnivore. Recommended feeding frequency: 2x daily. In captivity, offer a varied diet appropriate to the species — quality prepared foods supplemented with frozen or live items of suitable size.

Compatibility

Temperament: semi-aggressive
Swimming level: bottom
Compatible tank mates: Cyprichromis, Julidochromis, Synodontis petricola
Avoid with: Mbuna, Tropheus

Breeding

Breeding strategy: cave-spawner
Breeding difficulty: intermediate