Description
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This species, also known as The Lyretail Cichlid, Fairy Cichlid, and Lamprologus/Neolamprologus brichardi, is one of the most beautiful and popular Tanganyikan cichlids in the aquarium hobby!
The Brichard’s Lyretail Fairy Cichlid (Neolamprologus brichardi), also known as the Princess of Burundi Cichlid, is a small rock-dwelling cichlid that is native to the shoreline areas of Lake Tanganyika in Africa. It is extremely popular in the aquarium hobby. In the wild, it spawns on rocks. Overall coloration of this fish is pearly white pastel hues. Mature males are typically larger and have larger dorsal and caudal (tail) fin extensions than females.
The Brichard’s Lyretail Fairy Cichlid will thrive in an aquarium with piles of rocks that form some caves. Sand is the best substrate for this species. Mature fish will often claim and defend a small territory around their respective rock piles and caves. This cichlid mostly inhabits the middle and upper level of the water column, so it can often be kept (in a spacious tank) with Tanganyikan shell dwelling species that inhabit the lower areas of the water column. This species is small in size, but it is very territorial with its own kind and similar fish that enter its territory. Territoriality is typically at its peak during spawning. Dwarf shrimp and other small, delicate invertebrates should not be kept with the Brichard’s Lyretail Fairy Cichlid. If spawning is desired, tankmates of other species should be kept to a minimum or avoided altogether unless the aquarium is of considerable size with ample cover/decor.
Feeding is simple for the unfussy Brichard’s Lyretail Fairy Cichlid. High-quality dry, frozen, and live meaty foods will all be readily accepted. Quality and variety are the keys to a diet that will ensure that this fish maintains optimal health and coloration, so this species should not be fed dry foods exclusively. While it is primarily a carnivore, it also requires vegetable matter in its diet.
We are currently offering juvenile and adult specimens of this magnificent fish!
What We Like About This Fish:
Very popular in the aquarium hobby
Very small size for a cichlid
Possible to breed in the aquarium
Compatible with many other species in a spacious tank
Potential to be a “centerpiece” fish
RECOMMENDED TANK PARAMETERS:
Temperature: 73.4° – 81° F (23° – 27° C)
pH: 8.0 – 9.0
KH: 9 – 25 dKH
Minimum tank size: 15 – 20 gallons for an adult pair, 55+ gallons for a group
CARE GUIDELINES:
Diet: Mostly carnivorous. A variety of high-quality dry, frozen, and live meaty foods is necessary for optimal health and coloration. Some vegetable matter is also necessary.
Social behavior: Loosely social until sexual maturity. Breeding pairs are often aggressive to all other fish.
Origin: Tank-Bred, but indigenous to Lake Tanganyika, Africa
Average adult size: 2.8 – 3.5 inches (7 – 9 cm)
Average purchase size: 1 – 1.6 inches (2.5 – 4 cm) for juveniles, 2.8 – 3.5 inches (7 -9 cm) for adults
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