Teleogramma brichardi Care Guide
Teleogramma brichardi is a rheophilic cichlid from the lower Congo River rapids with a reduced swim bladder, requiring strong current and high oxygen.
Overview
Teleogramma brichardi is an elongated, rheophilic cichlid from the rapids of the lower Congo River. The species has a reduced swim bladder and moves in short darting hops along the bottom rather than swimming in open water. It is a specialist that requires strong current and well-oxygenated water.
Taxonomy
- Family: Cichlidae
- Genus: Teleogramma
- Scientific name: Teleogramma brichardi
- Described: Poll, 1959
Habitat
The species is found in rapids near Kinsuka on the lower Congo River, in the Republic of the Congo and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. FishBase records a pH of 6.0 to 7.0, a temperature of 20 to 23 °C and a hardness of 7 to 10 dH for the species. It is a rheophilic, pair-bonding cave spawner.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 150 L
- Temperature: 24-28 °C (75-82 °F)
- pH: 6.0-7.5
- GH: 2-12 °dGH
- Strong current and high oxygenation required
- Lifespan: 6-10 years
Diet
The species is carnivorous, with a trophic level estimated from its close relatives. In the aquarium it takes meaty frozen and live foods. Small frequent feedings suit its bottom-foraging habit.
Compatibility
The species is semi-aggressive and territorial, claiming bottom territories among the rocks. Suitable companions are other rheophilic Congo fish such as Steatocranus and current-adapted Synodontis. Slow open-water fish and hard-water Rift-lake cichlids should be avoided.
Breeding
The species is a pair-bonding cave spawner. A pair claims a cave or rocky crevice for breeding and both parents care for the brood. Breeding is considered advanced because the strong-current, high-oxygen conditions are demanding to maintain.
Conservation status
FishBase lists Teleogramma brichardi as Critically Endangered (CR) on the IUCN Red List. The species is restricted to a narrow stretch of Congo rapids vulnerable to habitat change.