Cyprichromis Microlepidotus care guide
Cyprichromis Microlepidotus (Cyprichromis microlepidotus) — minimum tank 350 L, temperature 24-27 °C, pH 8.5-9.2.
Compiled by Aquairi from published sources · Published · Updated
Overview
Cyprichromis microlepidotus is the largest member of the genus, reaching about 14 cm. As the specific epithet implies, the species has notably small scales. Adult males display a vivid blue body with yellow and dark fin highlights; females are silver-grey. Endemic to Lake Tanganyika as an obligate midwater schooler.
Taxonomy
- Family: Cichlidae
- Genus: Cyprichromis
- Scientific name: Cyprichromis microlepidotus
- Common synonyms: Mini Scaled Cyprichromis
Habitat
Endemic to Lake Tanganyika, where large schools hover over rocky drop-offs in the open water layer above the substrate. Tanganyika water is hard and alkaline (pH 8.5-9.2, KH 12-20), stable in temperature and exceptionally clear. The species is one of the few open-water cichlids of the lake.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 350 L (92.5 US gal)
- Adult size: 12-14 cm
- Temperature: 24-27 °C (75-81 °F)
- pH: 8.5-9.2
- GH: 12-25 °dGH
- Water flow: medium
- Lifespan: 5-8 years
- School size: ≥8 individuals
Diet
A midwater zooplanktivore taking copepods and tiny crustaceans picked from the water column. In aquaria small frozen Artemia, cyclops and mysis, plus quality crushed flake or small slow-sinking pellets, are accepted readily; food is taken on the way down, not from the bottom.
Compatibility
Peaceful and obligately gregarious; keep a group of at least 8-10 in a tall tank to allow them to school and display. Compatible with non-aggressive Tanganyikans such as small Lamprologus shell-dwellers and peaceful peacocks, given a tall water column for them to occupy.
Breeding
A polygamous maternal mouthbrooder that spawns in midwater. The male displays head-down beneath a hovering female; eggs are fertilised in the water column as the female catches them in her mouth, and she incubates them for about three weeks before releasing fry.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: see species page. Cyprichromis species and locality forms are widely distributed along Lake Tanganyika shores; most are assessed as Least Concern.
Breeding Cyprichromis microlepidotus
Overview
Cyprichromis microlepidotus is an open-water schooling cichlid endemic to Lake Tanganyika, reaching a standard length of around 11 cm. It is a maternal mouthbrooder with the unusual habit of spawning in midwater rather than on a substrate; the genus Cyprichromis comprises several such pelagic-spawning species. It is an adapted zooplankton feeder with a small mouth.
Sexing
Males are more colourful than females, displaying the iridescent body and finnage colour for which the species is kept. Mature males also develop the egg-shaped growths on the ends of the ventral fins used during courtship.
Conditioning
Because it is a small-mouthed zooplankton feeder, condition the fish on small frozen and live foods such as bloodworm, brine shrimp and Daphnia. Seriously Fish recommends several smaller feeds per day rather than one large meal. A large group in stable, hard, alkaline water keeps fish in spawning condition.
Breeding Setup
This is a shoaling species that should never be kept in fewer than 8-10 fish, with larger groups being better. Provide ample open swimming space in the upper water column so males can establish three-dimensional breeding territories. Maintain temperature of 24-27 °C and hard, alkaline water.
Spawning Behavior & Trigger
Males form three-dimensional breeding territories in open water and use the egg-shaped growths on their ventral fins to attract females. Spawning takes place in midwater, with the female catching the eggs in her mouth; published field study records each female depositing her clutch of around nine eggs in a single male's territory.
Egg & Fry Care
The female carries a small brood of only 5-10 eggs for up to four weeks before releasing the fry. The relatively large eggs and small brood produce well-developed fry that can be raised on small live and frozen foods after release.
Common Challenges
Small brood sizes mean yields per spawn are low. The species is also sensitive to water quality and prone to stress if kept in too small a group, so maintaining a large, settled shoal in pristine water is essential for reliable breeding.