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Freshwater   Fishes

Princess of burundi
(Neolamprologus brichardi)

Princess of burundi

Alternative species (click on the thumbnail to see the card)

Names

Scientific name
Neolamprologus brichardi
Lamprologus brichardi

Common name
Princess of burundi
Princess cichlid
Lyretail cichlid

Origin

what are its countries of origin?

Origin: Africa (Lake Tanganyika)
Biotope: African

Dimorphism

what are the physical differences between males and females?

The female is a little smaller than the male. The latter also develops a sharper dorsal fin and the tip of its caudal fin is longer

Group

Group

Cichlidae

Volume

what is the minimum volume for this species?

200 L / 44 imp gal / 53 US gal

Parameters

what are the water parameters for the maintenance of this fish?

T°: 22 to 26°C or 72 to 79°F
pH: 7.5 to 9
Hardness: 10 to 20°dGH

Difficulty

Difficulty

Easy

Size

what is the maximum size of this fish?

10 cm (4")

Longevity

what is the average Longevity of this fish?

8 years

Living zone

in which area of the aquarium does this fish live?

Middle and depth

Individuals

sociability of the species

8

Food

How to feed the Princess of burundi?

Food

How to feed the Princess of burundi?

The Princesses of Burundi are omnivorous with a slight carnivorous tendency. These fish readily accept freeze-dried foods for African cichlids. However, do not hesitate to vary their diet with fresh or frozen prey for a better shape! In order for your fish to keep the line and good health, have it fast once a week.

Do not give them bloodworms or beef heart because these foods are poorly digested and are too fat for them.

Behavior

What kind of behavior does the Princess of burundi have?

Behavior

What kind of behavior does the Princess of burundi have?

It presents a very interesting behaviour: it is a gregarious fish, which lives in family! Its social group is made up of several generations of fish. Moreover, it will defend all its current eggs but also the fry of previous generations. In its natural environment, it is sometimes found in groups of several hundred individuals!

Pretty calm fish overall. However, do not forget that it is an African Cichlid! It will show the territorial temper common to this family.

Cohabitation

Who can live with the Princess of burundi?

Cohabitation

Who can live with the Princess of burundi?

Given the territorial nature of this species, specific aquarium maintenance is recommended. Indeed, the Neolamprologus brichardi defend very well their territory and their number will increase following their breeding in an aquarium which pleases them. Better to plan enough space from the beginning and do not add any roommates!

However, in very large aquarium volumes, you can add other species form the Tanganyika lake.

Finally, note that this fish has a strong temper and can easily attack species much larger than him!

Breeding

How to breed the Princess of burundi?

Breeding

How to breed the Princess of burundi?

The breeding of this species is not difficult. It occurs spontaneously in any aquarium well maintained, offering good conditions of maintenance and which appeals to the fish. If you have trouble triggering a breeding in your tank, try increasing the temperature to 25°C or 77°F.

Only the dominant couple breeds regularly. Moreover, when a couple is formed, it is for life! Couples will form naturally in your group (it is very difficult to distinguish males from females, except for a slight difference in size).

The eggs are sheltered under rocks. Spawning may comprise between 30 and 200 eggs and incubation lasts 4 days at 26°C or 79°F. After hatching, the fry are under guard: all members of the colony protect them, not just the parents!

Since laying is easy to obtain and regular (almost every month), pay attention to a possible overpopulation that can happen quickly. You will quickly have fish of all sizes in your aquarium, from different generations.

Fry food: Artemia nauplii freshly hatched.

Its aquarium

Which aquarium for the Princess of burundi?

Its aquarium

Which aquarium for the Princess of burundi?

An aquarium of at least 200 liters or 44 Imp Gal or 53 US Gal (front window of 100 cm or 39 inch is the minimum to have for proper maintenance of a small group.

To get as close as possible to the conditions of the lake of Tanganyika where this species originated, choose a fine sand (layer of at least 10 cm or 4 inch) and complete the decor with many rocks (they can possibly be limestone). Form caves and hiding places among the stones, while paying attention to the stability of your decoration (you can stick the stones between them if need). Leave a lot of swimming space.

No need to put a nutritious substrate: no need for plants (opt for floating plants or anubias) because the Princess of Burundi tends to dig!

To maintain good quality and good oxygenation of the water, install a powerful filtration (at least 3x the volume of the tank per hour) and install the rejection rather on the surface. Make frequent water changes (about 1/4 of your aquarium volume each week).

Finally, cover your aquarium and protect your lighting because the Princess of Burundi is an excellent jumper!

Good To know

Find all additional information!

Good To know

Find all additional information!

This is the first species from the Tanganyika lake to be proposed in aquarium.

Robust and easy to breed, this fish can be offered to novice aquarists.

There is an albino variety of this species:
/Neolamprologus brichardi albino

Yours photos!

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