Dickfeld's Julie (Julidochromis dickfeldi) Care Guide

Slender Julidochromis with three horizontal stripes and a blue-edged dorsal fin. Reaches 9 cm. Less common than ornatus or transcriptus but equally rewarding for Tanganyika community tanks.

Overview

Julidochromis dickfeldi is a species in the family Cichlidae. Slender Julidochromis with three horizontal stripes and a blue-edged dorsal fin. Reaches 9 cm. Less common than ornatus or transcriptus but equally rewarding for Tanganyika community tanks.

Taxonomy

Family: Cichlidae
Genus: Julidochromis
Scientific name: Julidochromis dickfeldi
Other names: Blue Julie
Origin: Africa, Lake Tanganyika

Habitat

Endemic to the south-western shoreline of Lake Tanganyika. Forms monogamous pairs that defend rocky territories and spawn on cave surfaces. Marked with horizontal stripes and bluish fins; feeds on invertebrates and biofilm.

Tank requirements

Minimum tank volume: 150 L
Temperature: 24-27 °C
pH: 8.5-9.2
GH: 12-25 °dGH
Adult size: 8-10 cm
Lifespan: 5-8 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, Synodontis petricola, Shellies
Avoid with: Mbuna, Tropheus, Aggressive Lamprologines

Breeding

Breeding strategy: cave-spawner