Cyprichromis Microlepidotus care guide
Cyprichromis Microlepidotus (Cyprichromis microlepidotus) — minimum tank 350 L, temperature 24-27 °C, pH 8.5-9.2.
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.