Brevis Cichlid (Neolamprologus brevis)
Neolamprologus Brevis Cichlid are freshwater aquarium fish from Lake Tanganyikan in Africa. Brevis Cichlid bodies are characterized by the elongated in shape with vertical tan stripes. It is a small cichlid growing to a maximum size of around 2.5 inches. Brevis Cichlids are relatively easy to take care of. Below you will find tips and advice on how to set up the aquarium for your cichlid, what to feed your cichlid and how to breed brevis cichlids.
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How to Set Up Aquarium for Brevis Cichlids
The Neolamprologus Brevis Cichlid are shell dwellers. They are native to the rocky areas of Lake Tanganyika in Africa. They are shell dwellers with the male and femals sharing the same shell. Brevis Cichlids are territorial fish and will defend its shell. Set up your aquarium with plenty of shells, caves and other hiding places to make your brevis cichlid comfortable. I like these cave aquarium decorations that are made to mimic cave-like environment. You need an aquarium size of at least 30 gallons. They prefer hard water with high alkalinity of pH 7.8-9.0. To maintain these water conditions, it’s best to use aragonite sand for your cichlids.
What to Feed Brevis Cichlid
Brevis Cichlids are carnivores and should be fed a diet containing meaty blood worms, brine shrimp, krill shrimp, or carnivore flake and pellet foods.
How to Breed Brevis Cichlid
Compared to other cichlids, it’s more difficult to breed neolamprologus brevis cichlids. These cichlids are shell spawners. Make sure you set up the aquarium so there are plenty of empty shells for the female to lay their eggs. Incubation time is around 3 to 4 days. Unlike other cichlid parents, the brevis cichlids will not care for their babies after hatching. You should move the cichlid fry to a separate aquarium so they don’t get eaten by their parents. The baby cichlids can be fed finely crushed flake food and baby brine shrimp.
Brevis Cichlid Facts
Family: Cichlidae
Origin: Farm Raised
Max. Size: Up to 2½”
Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons
Level: Easy
Water Temperature: 72-79°F
Water PH Level: pH 7.8-9.0
Color: Brown, Tan
Temperament: Aggressive
Diet: Carnivore
Compatibility: Brevis Cichlids are compatible with other small Lake Tanganyikans fish
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