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
Origin: Africa (Lake Tanganyika)
Biotope: African
Dimorphism
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
Cichlidae
Volume
200 L / 44 imp gal / 53 US gal
Parameters
T°: 22 to 26°C or 72 to 79°F
pH: 7.5 to 9
Hardness: 10 to 20°dGH
Difficulty
Easy
Size
10 cm (4")
Longevity
8 years
Living zone
Middle and depth
Individuals
8
Food
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
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
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
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
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
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:
Yours photos!
Comments
Sort by:
Please login to post comments