Princess of Burundi (Neolamprologus brichardi) Care Guide

An elegant Lake Tanganyika cichlid with a slender body, flowing lyre-shaped tail fin extensions, and a distinctive yellow spot behind the gill cover.

Overview

Neolamprologus brichardi is a species in the family Cichlidae. An elegant Lake Tanganyika cichlid with a slender body, flowing lyre-shaped tail fin extensions, and a distinctive yellow spot behind the gill cover. Forms large colonies where older offspring help raise younger generations.

Taxonomy

Family: Cichlidae
Genus: Neolamprologus
Scientific name: Neolamprologus brichardi
Other names: Fairy Cichlid, Brichardi
Origin: Africa, Lake Tanganyika

Habitat

Neolamprologus brichardi is a graceful cichlid endemic to the rocky shores of Lake Tanganyika in East Africa. It forms extended family colonies in which older offspring help guard younger fry, an unusual cooperative-breeding behaviour among fish.

Tank requirements

Minimum tank volume: 120 L
Temperature: 23-27 °C
pH: 7.5-9
GH: 10-20 °dGH
Water flow: moderate
Adult size: 7-9 cm
Lifespan: 8-12 years
Recommended group size: ≥ 6
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
Position in tank: middle
Compatible tank mates: Masked Julie, Neolamprologus Multifasciatus, Synodontis Petricola
Avoid with: Mbunas, Aggressive Large Cichlids

Breeding

Breeding strategy: cave-spawner
Breeding difficulty: beginner