Variabilichromis Moorii (Variabilichromis moorii) Care Guide

Stocky algae-grazing Lamprologine reaching 11 cm. Adults dark with yellow-orange edged finnage; juveniles are bright yellow. Pair-bonding cave spawner; peaceful for size.

Overview

Variabilichromis moorii is a species in the family Cichlidae. Stocky algae-grazing Lamprologine reaching 11 cm. Adults dark with yellow-orange edged finnage; juveniles are bright yellow. Pair-bonding cave spawner; peaceful for size.

Taxonomy

Family: Cichlidae
Genus: Variabilichromis
Scientific name: Variabilichromis moorii
Other names: Yellow Moorii Lamprologine, Neolamprologus moorii
Origin: Africa, Lake Tanganyika

Habitat

Endemic to the southern part of Lake Tanganyika, inhabiting shallow rocky shorelines. Juveniles are bright yellow, turning dark blue-black with maturity. Forms strongly territorial monogamous pairs that practise biparental brood care of the fry, an unusual trait among the lake's cichlids.

Tank requirements

Minimum tank volume: 200 L
Temperature: 24-27 °C
pH: 8.5-9.2
GH: 12-25 °dGH
Adult size: 9-12 cm
Lifespan: 7-11 years
Difficulty: intermediate

Diet

Classified as herbivore. 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
Swimming level: bottom
Compatible tank mates: Cyprichromis, Julidochromis, Synodontis petricola
Avoid with: Mbuna, Tropheus

Breeding

Breeding strategy: cave-spawner
Breeding difficulty: intermediate