Paracyprichromis Brieni (Paracyprichromis brieni) Care Guide

Slender pseudo-shellie Cyprichromis from Tanganyika often found close to rocky walls. Subtle blue-violet sheen on males; smaller schools than Cyprichromis.

Overview

Paracyprichromis brieni is a species in the family Cichlidae. Slender pseudo-shellie Cyprichromis from Tanganyika often found close to rocky walls. Subtle blue-violet sheen on males; smaller schools than Cyprichromis. Peaceful and ideal for large Tanganyikan setups.

Taxonomy

Family: Cichlidae
Genus: Paracyprichromis
Scientific name: Paracyprichromis brieni
Origin: Africa, Lake Tanganyika

Habitat

Endemic to Lake Tanganyika, where it hovers in open water near rocky walls and overhangs. A planktivorous cichlid feeding on zooplankton. A maternal mouthbrooder; like related sardine cichlids it forms loose midwater aggregations.

Tank requirements

Minimum tank volume: 300 L
Temperature: 24-27 °C
pH: 8.5-9.2
GH: 12-25 °dGH
Adult size: 9-12 cm
Lifespan: 5-8 years
Recommended group size: ≥ 8
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: peaceful
Swimming level: middle
Compatible tank mates: Tropheus, Petrochromis, Cyphotilapia frontosa, Julidochromis, Synodontis petricola
Avoid with: Mbuna, Aggressive haps, Boulengerochromis

Breeding

Breeding strategy: mouthbrooder
Breeding difficulty: intermediate