Blue Neon (Paracyprichromis nigripinnis) Care Guide
Small Tanganyika cichlid with electric neon blue stripes along a dark body — males display especially intense blue under proper lighting.
Overview
Paracyprichromis nigripinnis is a species in the family Cichlidae. Small Tanganyika cichlid with electric neon blue stripes along a dark body — males display especially intense blue under proper lighting. Peaceful schooling species ideal for show Tanganyika tanks alongside shellies and Julidochromis.
Taxonomy
- Family: Cichlidae
- Genus: Paracyprichromis
- Scientific name: Paracyprichromis nigripinnis
- Other names: Blue Neon Paracyprichromis
- Origin: Africa, Lake Tanganyika
Habitat
Endemic to Lake Tanganyika, where it inhabits rocky overhangs and caves, often orienting vertically along walls. A planktivorous cichlid feeding on zooplankton; displays neon-blue lines under suitable lighting. A maternal mouthbrooder.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 250 L
- Temperature: 24-27 °C
- pH: 8.5-9.2
- GH: 12-25 °dGH
- Adult size: 8-10 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