Chalinochromis Popelini (Chalinochromis popelini) Care Guide

Sister species to C. brichardi but with a single black horizontal stripe on the body. Reaches 12 cm. Found in deeper rocky habitats; pair-bonded cave spawner.

Overview

Chalinochromis popelini is a species in the family Cichlidae. Sister species to C. brichardi but with a single black horizontal stripe on the body. Reaches 12 cm. Found in deeper rocky habitats; pair-bonded cave spawner.

Taxonomy

Family: Cichlidae
Genus: Chalinochromis
Scientific name: Chalinochromis popelini
Origin: Africa, Lake Tanganyika

Habitat

Endemic to Lake Tanganyika, inhabiting rocky shorelines. Forms monogamous pairs that defend rocky territories and spawn in crevices. Distinguished from C. brichardi by a dark longitudinal stripe along the body; feeds on invertebrates and biofilm.

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
Avoid with: Mbuna, Tropheus

Breeding

Breeding strategy: cave-spawner
Breeding difficulty: intermediate