Julidochromis Marlieri (Julidochromis marlieri) Care Guide

A beautiful Tanganyika cichlid with a checkerboard pattern of black and white markings. Forms strong pair bonds and defends its rocky territory vigorously.

Overview

Julidochromis marlieri is a species in the family Cichlidae. A beautiful Tanganyika cichlid with a checkerboard pattern of black and white markings. Forms strong pair bonds and defends its rocky territory vigorously. Swims in an unusual manner, often upside-down along rock surfaces searching for food.

Taxonomy

Family: Cichlidae
Genus: Julidochromis
Scientific name: Julidochromis marlieri
Other names: Marlier's Julie
Origin: Africa

Habitat

Endemic to Lake Tanganyika, where it inhabits steep rocky shorelines along the western and northern coasts. Forms strongly monogamous pairs that defend a small territory in rock crevices and spawn directly on the cave ceiling. Diet is largely benthic invertebrates picked from biofilm.

Tank requirements

Minimum tank volume: 100 L
Temperature: 24-27 °C
pH: 7.5-9
GH: 10-20 °dGH
Water flow: moderate
Adult size: 10-13 cm
Lifespan: 5-8 years
Difficulty: intermediate

Diet

Classified as omnivore. 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: Neolamprologus, Synodontis Petricola, Altolamprologus
Avoid with: Malawi Cichlids, Aggressive Fish, Large Fish

Breeding

Breeding strategy: cave-spawner
Breeding difficulty: intermediate