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BACK TO FISH
Here at Pet City Joondalup we stock
a large range of tropical fish and can take customer orders
for any of the Cichlids listed on this page. Please phone your
order through after reading how to make a customer order
Lake Tanganyika in eastern
Africa is the second deepest lake in the
world. With a length of about 600 kilometres and a total
shoreline
estimated at 2000 kilometres, the lake is
home to
a vast array of Cichlids (approximately 200
species, plus many colour variations within some
species). Virtually all of these Cichlids are endemic
to the
lake (i.e. they occur nowhere else). Many
of them are very popular as aquarium fish, because
of their fascinating behaviour and attractive appearance.
With so many types to choose from, they can range
from fish that are very easy to keep and breed through
to species that are a real challenge for even the
most experienced fish hobbyists.
The water in Lake Tanganyika is very alkaline (pH
8.6-9.5) with a high mineral count. Using Rift Lake
Conditioning Salts provides the water requirements
necessary for these fish. Being tropical fish, a
water temperature of 23-27 C is satisfactory. These
fish have healthy appetites and will eat most fish
foods, but it is worth noting there are several products
specifically designed to meet the needs of these
active fish (e.g. HBH cichlid foods.) Avoid feeding
beefheart or other fatty meats to these Cichlids,
as it can lead to health problems – especially for
herbivores such as Tropheus.
Most Tanganyikan Cichlids are territorial to varying
degrees, but this can be managed in different ways
such as:
Fully stock the aquarium rather than lightly stock
it (thereby diluting the effect of any overly aggressive
individual, and also making it harder to establish
or hold territories).
Provide plenty of cover (rocks, driftwood, etc)
in display or breeding set-ups.
Rearrange the aquarium décor
whenever new fish are added, thereby disrupting the
territories of the original occupants. For most Tropheus varieties,
a group of at least 8 specimens should be kept to
minimize aggression between individuals.
The breeding methods of Tanganyikan Cichlids vary
considerably, many guard their eggs in rock crevices,
some dwarf types use empty snail shells. Quite a
few species such as Tropheus are mouthbrooders; and
some male mouthbrooders such as Ophthalmotilapia
(Featherfins) build elaborate spawning nests. Quite
a few Tanganyikan Cichlids will readily breed in
retail or home aquariums, with a few fry often surviving
amongst the rocks without any special care.
Many of these Cichlids occur in various distinctive
geographic populations, this is especially common amongst
rock dwelling types such as Tropheus. The rock-dwellers
are often unwilling or unable to cross sandy bays or open
deep water to get to the next rocky habitat and this can
lead to isolated variations in colour.
Learn everything you need to succesfully
keep
Cichlids by checking
out the following e-book
- Cichlid
Secrets!
| ALTOLAMPROLOGUS CALVUS BLACK - Available
in 3.5CM |
|
A very compressed body allows this
curiously shaped predator to access narrow cracks
and caves. In the wild it feeds upon crustaceans
and small fish. Males grow to 15-16cm, females
remain much smaller. Altolamprologus are
quite slow growing in aquaria. |
| BENTHOCHROMIS TRICOTI - Available in 5CM |
 |
Rarely bred in aquaria, most aquarium
stock of this beautiful mouthbrooder is wild caught. Females
may gulp air and be mistakenly thought to be brooding
eggs. Usually found at depths of 20-60 metres,
males grow to 20-22cm, females are smaller. Best
kept in a large aquarium with plenty of open swimming
space. |
| CHALINOCHROMIS BIFRENATUS - Available in 4.5CM and
6CM |
|
Native to rocky habitats in the middle
section of the lake, this is an egg-layer that
breeds in caves. Their aquarium should contain
plenty of rockwork, tankmates can be other rock-dwelling
Tanganyikans. Grows to 12-15cm. |
| CHALINOCHROMIS NDOBHOI - Available in 4CM |
 |
Native to rocky habitats of the central
eastern shoreline of the lake, Ndobhoi is an egg-layer
that breeds in caves. Their aquarium should
contain plenty of rockwork, tankmates can be other
rock-dwelling Tanganyikans. Both sexes have
a cream coloured body, with prominent dark spotting. Grows
to 14-15cm. |
| CYPHOTILAPIA FRONTOSA BLUE MPIMBWE - Available
in 3.5CM, 5CM and 12CM |
 |
With their distinctive appearance,
Frontosa are a majestic looking fish with enduring
popularity. In the wild it occurs around
rocky areas usually at depths of 20-70 metres. It
should be kept in a group of 5 or more in larger
aquaria. A quiet, peaceful species, but it
will prey upon small fish. May grow to 30-40cm,
but usually smaller. The morph at Mpimbwe
is very attractive with a strong blue colour over
most of the fish. |
| CYPHOTILAPIA FRONTOSA BLUE ZAIRE MOBA WILD
12CM |
 |
With their distinctive appearance,
Frontosa are a majestic looking fish with enduring
popularity. In the wild it occurs around
rocky areas usually at depths of 20-70 metres. It
should be kept in a group of 5 or more in larger
aquaria. A quiet, peaceful species, but it
will prey upon small fish. May grow to 30-40cm,
but usually smaller. The Blue Zaire at Moba
is another very attractive morph, turning deep
blue to violet in colour. |
| CYPHOTILAPIA FRONTOSA KIGOMA 7 BAR - Available
in 3.5CM, 5CM and 6CM |
 |
The 7 Bar Frontosa is native to the
Kigoma area of the lake. Frontosa are a majestic
looking fish with enduring popularity. In
the wild they inhabit rocky areas, usually at depths
of 20-70 metres. They are best kept in a
group of 5 or more in large aquaria and are a quiet
peaceful species - but they will prey upon small
fish. May grow to 30-40cm, but usually smaller. |
| CYPHOTILAPIA FRONTOSA 6 BAR TANK BRED - Available
in 5CM and 12CM |
 |
With their distinctive appearance,
Frontosa are a majestic looking fish with enduring
popularity. In the wild it occurs around
rocky areas usually at depths of 20-70 metres. It
should be kept in a group of 5 or more in larger
aquaria. A quiet, peaceful species, but it
will prey upon small fish. May
grow to 30-40cm, but usually
smaller.Lower price when
you purchase 10 or more |
| CYPRICHROMIS LEPTOSOMA JUMBO KEKESE - Available
in 5CM |
|
Native to the southern half of
the lake, this mouthbrooder congregates in large
schools in open water near rocky habitats, feeding
on zooplanton. Best kept in a group in a
large aquarium with other relatively peaceful Tanganyikan
species. Numerous geographic variations exist
and multiple colour forms are often present in
a single population. Grows to about 12cm. Males
at Kekese have yellow tails and either a blackish
or light blue dorsal fin. |
| CYPRICHROMIS LEPTOSOMA JUMBO KITUMBA - Available
in 6CM |
 |
Native to the southern half of the
lake, this mouthbrooder congregates in large schools
in open water near rocky habitats, feeding on zooplankton. Best
kept in a group in a large aquarium with other
relatively peaceful Tanganyikan species. Numerous
geographic variations exist and multiple colour
forms are often present in a single population. Grows
to about 12cm. Males at Kitumba may be entirely
yellow, blue or a mixture of both. |
| CYPRICHROMIS LEPTOSOMA KIGOMA - Available in
5CM and 6CM |
|
This slender mouthbrooder congregates
in large schools in open water near rocky habitats,
feeding on zooplankton. Best kept in a group
in a large aquarium with other relatively peaceful
Tanganyikan species. A number of differently
coloured geographic variations occur and multiple
colour forms are often present in a single population. Grows
to 8-9cm. Males at Kigoma have blue or yellow
tails and may show a yellowish head. |
| CYPRICHROMIS LEPTOSOMA MALASA YELLOWTAIL -
Available in 5CM |
|
This slender mouthbrooder congregates in large
schools in open water near rocky habitats, feeding
on zooplankton. Best kept in a group in
a large aquarium with other relatively peaceful
Tanganyikan species. A number of differently
coloured geographic variations occur and multiple
colour forms are often present in a single population. Grows
to 8-9cm. A nice yellow tailed morph from
Malasa, Tanzania.
|
| CYPRICHROMIS LEPTOSOMA MPULUNGU - Available
in 6CM |
|
This slender mouthbrooder congregates
in large schools in open water near rocky habitats,
feeding on zooplankton. Best kept in a group
in a large aquarium with other relatively peaceful
Tanganyikan species. A number of differently
coloured geographic variations occur and multiple
colour forms are often present in a single population. Grows
to 8-9cm. Males at Mpulungu have blue or
yellow tails. |
| CYPRICHROMIS LEPTOSOMA UTINTA BAY - Available
in 4.5CM |
|
This slender mouthbrooder congregates
in large schools in open water near rocky habitats,
feeding on zooplankton. Best kept in a group
in a large aquarium with other relatively peaceful
Tanganyikan species. A number of differently
coloured geographic variations occur and multiple
colour forms are often present in a single population. Grows
to 8-9cm. Males at Utinta Bay have yellow
to orange tails. |
| GNATHOCHROMIS PERMAXILLARIS - Available in
6CM |
 |
Living over muddy bottomed areas,
this species uses its unusual extendable mouth
to vacuum the substrate for good items. Both
sexes are attractively spangled. Rarely bred
in aquaria, grows to around 20cm. |
| JULIDOCHROMIS DICKFELDI GERMAN - Available
in 5CM |
 |
"Julies" are a popular group of boldly
patterned species found in rocky habitats. Their
aquarium can be moderate in size, but should contain
plenty of rocks. These fish breed readily
in aquaria, laying their eggs in a cave or similar
shelter. Dickfeldi develops nice blue edged
fins and grows to about 9-10cm, the females are
slightly smaller than the males. |
| NEOLAMPROLOGUS BREVIS - Available in 4CM |
 |
One of several smaller species referred
to as "shell-dwellers", in the lake they use empty
snail shells as refuges and breeding sites, usually
located in sandy-bottomed areas of the lake. Unlike
other shell-dwellers, both the male and female
Brevis will shelter in the same shell. These
fish make fascinating aquarium subjects in smaller
aquaria. Males grow to 5cm, females to about
4cm. |
| PRINCESS CICHLID (N. BRICHARDI) - Available
in 3.5CM and 4CM |
 |
This graceful looking cichlid is a
very popular aquarium fish, also known by imaginative
names such as Princess of Burundi and Fairy Cichlid. This
species has a wide distribution in the lake, face
markings and/or body markings can vary in appearance
depending on locality. It inhabits rocky
areas and forms large breeding colonies, older
fry help guard younger siblings. Both sexes
grow to about 10cm. |
| ALBINO PRINCESS CICHLID (N. BRICHARDI) - Available in 4.5CM |
 |
This graceful looking
cichlid is a very popular aquarium
fish, also known by imaginative names
such as Princess of Burundi and Fairy
Cichlid. It inhabits rocky
areas and forms large breeding colonies,
older fry help guard younger siblings. Both
sexes grow to about 10cm. The
albino form is an aquarium bred variety,
the result of selective breeding,
with a nice yellow-white base colour. |
| NEOLAMPROLOGUS CYLINDRICUS GOLD HEAD - Available
in 5CM |
|
Both sexes of this slender
species are attractively banded. Cylindricus
tends to be a solitary species, it
roams rocky areas at depths of 5
to 25 metres, feeding on invertebrates. Best
kept in a large aquarium with other
Tanganyikans, with plenty of rock
cover. Grows to 11cm. |
| NEOLAMPROLOGUS HECQUI - Available in 4.5CM |
|
One of the several smaller
species referred to as "shell-dwellers",
in the lake they use empty snail
shells as refuges and breeding sites,
usually in sandy-bottomed areas of
the lake. These are hardy fish
with interesting behaviour, well
suited to small to medium sized aquaria. Males
grow to 8cm, females remain smaller. |
| NEOLAMPROLOGUS LELEUPI ORANGE GERMAN - Available
in 4.5CM |
 |
This species occurs
in various distinct geographic variations. The
orange morph is the most popular
as an aquarium subject with its orange
colour intensifying with age. Leleupi
tends to be a solitary species, it
roams rocky areas at depths of 15
to 35 metres, feeding on invertebrates. Best
kept in a large aquarium with other
Tanganyikans, with plenty of rock
cover. Grows to 11cm. |
| NEOLAMPROLOGUS MUSTAX - Available in 4CM |
|
The Mustax is one of
a number of Cichlids that live amongst
rocks and breed in cave like shelters. It
is native to the south-western corner
of the lake, where several different
colour forms are known to exist. It
can be territorial, so tankmates
should be of similar size and include
some rockwork for hiding places. Grows
to about 9cm. |
| DAFFODIL PRINCESS CICHLID (N. PULCHER) - Available
in 5CM |
|
The Daffodil is a popular
yellow morph of N.pulcher, found
in the southern regions of the lake
at Kantalamba. It inhabits
rocky areas and forms large breeding
colonies, older fry help guard younger
siblings. Both sexes grow to
about 10cm. This species is
very similar in ease of care and
appearance to the Brichardi. They
should be kept separate as they can
hybridize in aquaria. |
| OPTHALMOTILAPIA NASUTA KIPILI GOLD - Available
in 5CM |
 |
This species occurs in many geographic
variations, males at each location
being a specific colour pattern. Kipili
males develop a bright yellow colour,
they grow to about 20cm.
Part of a group of mouthbrooders
known as Featherfins, mature Ophthalmotilapia
males have long ventral fins with
bright "egg-dummies" at the tips.
|
| OPTHALMOTILAPIA VENTRALIS KAMBWIMBA - Available
in 4CM and 6CM |
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Ventralis males are normally bright
blue, but they also occur in a
wide range of geographic variants. They
are best kept in a large aquarium
with plenty of rockwork and some
sandy areas.
Part of a group of mouthbrooders
known as Featherfins, mature Ophthalmotilapia
males have long ventral fins with
bright "egg-dummies" at the tips.
|
| OPHTHALMOTILAPIA VENTRALIS ORANGE CAP - Available
in 6CM |
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The Orange cap males develop a
vivid blue colouration, except
for a gold coloured head. They
are best kept in a large aquarium
with plenty of rockwork and some
sandy areas.
Part of a group of mouthbrooders
known as Featherfins, mature Ophthalmotilapia
males have long ventral fins with
bright "egg-dummies" at the tips.
|
| PARACYPRICHROMIS NIGRIPINNIS BLUE NEON - Available
in 5CM and 6CM |
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This sleek looking mouthbrooder
is found near caves at depths of
10 to 40 metres. Its colours
are best appreciated when placed
in an aquarium with a dark background
and subdued lighting. They
prefer to be kept in a group, tankmates
can be any other peaceful Tanganyikan
species. Maximum size is about
9cm. |
| PARACYPRICHROMIS NIGRIPINNIS ALBINO 6CM |
|
This sleek looking mouthbrooder
is found near caves at depths of
10 to 40 metres. Its colours
are best appreciated when placed
in an aquarium with a dark background
and subdued lighting. They
prefer to be kept in a group, tankmates
can be any other peaceful Tanganyikan
species. Maximum size is about
9cm, the albino form is an aquarium
produced strain. |
| SPATHODUS ERYTHRODON KABENZI |
|
One of a small group
of intriguing mouthbrooders known
as "Goby Cichlids". These fish
are restricted to shallow rocky coastal
areas, a habitat influenced by strong
currents from constant wave surges. In
the wild they feed on algae and small
invertebrates. Ensure their
aquarium has optimum aeration and
strong filtration. Males grow
to 7-8cm whereas the females are
slightly smaller. |
| TROPHEUS BEMBA RED (T.SP.BLACK) - Available
in 3CM and 4 CM |
 |
Tropheus are a very popular group
of algae grazing cichlids with
diverse colour patterns. They
prefer a large aquarium with plenty
of rockwork, and should be fed
predominantly vegetable based (green)
foods. A group of at least
8 specimens should be kept to minimize
aggression between individuals. Also
known as the Kirschfleck Tropheus,
this attractive fish has a black
body with two large red blotches. Grows
to 12-14cm.
|
| TROPHEUS DUBOISI MASWA - Available in 3CM |
 |
Juvenile Duboisi are
among the most striking of aquarium
fish: jet black with bold white spots. Like
many Tanganyikans, they occur in
various colour forms. Adults
of the Maswa type are black with
a bluish head and a wide yellow-white
band. Tropheus are a very popular
group of algae grazing cichlids with
diverse colour patterns. They
prefer a large aquarium with plenty
of rockwork, and should be fed predominantly
vegetable based (green) foods. A
group of at least 6 Duboisi should
be kept to minimize aggression between
individuals. |
| TROPHEUS KAISER 1 (T.IKOLA) - Available in
3CM, 4CM and 5CM |
 |
A very wide yellow band
identifies this variant from near
Ikola. Tropheus are a very
popular group of algae grazing cichlids
with diverse colour patterns. They
prefer a large aquarium with plenty
of rockwork, and should be fed predominantly
vegetable based (green) foods. A
group of a least 8 specimens should
be kept to minimize aggression between
individuals. |
| TROPHEUS KAISER II (T.SP. BLACK) - Available
in 4.5CM |
|
Tropheus are a very
popular group of algae grazing cichlids
with diverse colour patterns. They
prefer a large aquarium with plenty
of rockwork, and should be fed predominantly
vegetable based (green) foods. A
group of at least 8 specimens should
be kept to minimize aggression between
individuals. The Kaiser II
Tropheus occurs at Kiriza and is
one of the more popular varieties,
with its black body and prominent
bright yellow vertical band. Grows
to 12-14cm. |
| TROPHEUS MOLIRO (T.SPECIES RED) - Available
in 5CM |
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An attractive red form found at
Moliro. Tropheus are a very
popular group of algae grazing
cichlids with diverse colour patterns. They
prefer a large aquarium with plenty
of rockwork, and should be fed
predominantly vegetable based (green)
foods. A group of at least
8 specimens should be kept to minimize
aggression between individuals.
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For Your Cichlids you may
also require some of the following Aquarium
related items.
Aquarium
Tank
Food
Water
Conditioner
Treatments
Heater
Filter
Gravel
Ornaments
Air
Pumps and Hoses
Plants
Net
Cleaner
Check Out All Of
Our Current Aquarium
and Fish Products
Cichlid
Secrets!
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