Congo Dwarf (Nanochromis parilus) Care Guide
Nanochromis parilus is a slim Congo dwarf cichlid with iridescent blue males and breeding females showing a bright magenta belly, a soft-water cave spawner.
Overview
Nanochromis parilus is a slim dwarf cichlid from the lower Congo. Males show an iridescent blue body, and a distinguishing feature is the upper caudal fin marked with alternating black and white-to-yellow stripes. Breeding females develop a bright magenta belly. It is a pair-bonding cave spawner of soft, gently flowing waters.
Taxonomy
- Family: Cichlidae
- Genus: Nanochromis
- Scientific name: Nanochromis parilus
- Common synonym: Congo Dwarf
Habitat
According to FishBase, the species occurs in the lower Congo River rapids region of the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It is found in slowly flowing waters along the river banks near Brazzaville and Kinshasa, generally avoiding the most rapidly flowing sections.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 100 L
- Temperature: 24-28 °C (75-82 °F)
- pH: 6.0-7.0
- GH: 2-12 °dGH
- Lifespan: 4-6 years
Diet
FishBase reports that the species feeds on worms, crustaceans and insects, placing it as an omnivore with a trophic level of about 3.3. In the aquarium it accepts small frozen, live and prepared foods, fed twice daily.
Compatibility
This is a semi-aggressive, bottom-dwelling dwarf cichlid, most peaceful when kept as a bonded pair. Suitable companions are West African tetras, Synodontis nigriventris and other peaceful West African cichlids. It is best kept away from Rift Lake mbuna, hard-water cichlids and other Nanochromis.
Breeding
Nanochromis parilus is a cave spawner. The female deposits eggs inside a cave and the pair tends the brood; soft, slightly acidic water supports successful spawning.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Least Concern (assessed 16 February 2009).