Brichardi Cichlid (Neolamprologus brichardi)
The Brichardi Cichlids (Neolamprologus brichardi) are freshwater aquarium fish from Lake Tanganyika in Africa. They are also known as Fairy Cichlids. These fairy cichlids are beautiful cichlids- tan colored with bluish trim on the fins and a colored gold spot with blue markings below the eyes. They brichardi cichlids are not difficult aquarium fish to take care of. They can also be bred at home. Below you will find more information on how to set up the aquarium for your cichlid, what to feed your brichardi cichlid and how to breed them at home.
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How To Take Care of Brichardi Cichlid
Brichardi Cichlids are easy fish to take care of. They will thrive as long as you have ideal water conditions, have the correct mix of fish in the aquarium and feed your cichlids correctly. At Lake Tanganyika, it is common to see Brichardi Cihlids inhabiting small caves. In your aquarium, you should simulate these rocky conditions with large rocks, caves and aquarium decorations for them to hide in. But make sure you anchor down the large rocks because Brichardi Cichlids like to dig and you don’t want the rocks to overturn. I like these cave aquarium decoration that are made to mimic cave-like environment.
How to Group Brichardi Cichlids in Aquarium
Grouping brichardi cichlids will depend on the age of the your cichlid and how many cichlids in an aquarium. If you have juvenile brichardi cichlids, then you can put them all in the same aquarium and they will be able to coexist peacefully. However, once these brichardi cichlids reach sexual maturity and have paired up, they may get aggressive towards each other. Also, brichardi cichlids don’t like other Lake Tanganyika cichlids, keep them separate. If you have only one brichardi cichlid then you can mix the one cichlid with other non aggressive Lake Tanganyika fish and they can all live peacefully together.
What to Feed Brichardi Cichlid
Brichardi Cichlid are carnivores. Feed Brichardi Cichlid a combination of cichlid pellets and brine shrimp. You can also feed them high quality cichlid flake foods.
How To Breed Brichardi Cichlid
Breeding Neolamprologus brichardi cichlid is relatively easy. Start by buying at least six juveniles brichardi cichlids. Let them grow up together and when they reach sexual maturity they will begin to pair up. Separate the pairs, put two brichardi cichlids per fish tank. They are aggressive and will take over the whole tank once they start breeding. Use at least a 30 gallon fish tank with rocks and caves so the females can hide from aggressive males. Neolamprologus brichardi cichlid will spawn and lay their eggs under caves. Don’t be surprised if the cichlids disappear for days hidden in the caves. The male and female cichlid will take turns guarding the young. A pair can produce 100 fry! Feed the cichlid fry Artemia or microworms once you see them freely swimming around. The cichlid fry can be weaned to powdered flakes in a couple of weeks.
Brichardi Cichlid Facts
Family: Cichlidae
Origin: Farm Raised
Max. Size: Up to 4″
Minimum Tank Size: 30 gallons
Level: Easy
Water Temperature: 72-79°F
Water Condition: PH 7.4-9.0
Maximum Size In Aquarium: Up to 3 inches
Color Form: Beige
Temperament: Aggressive
Diet: Omnivore
Compatibility: Compatible with other Lake Tanganyikans community fish
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