All fish / Cichlidae

Brichard's Chalinochromis

Chalinochromis brichardi

Also known as chalinochromis brichardi, brichardi chalino, bridled chalinochromis, masked julie, chalinochromis, brichards cichlid, カリノクロミス・ブリシャルディ, 布氏面罩鲷

A slender, sandy beige cichlid with dark bridle markings on the head that fade or vary with age and population, giving a smart understated look. It is kept for its interesting pair behaviour and family life among rockwork in Lake Tanganyika community tanks.

Care at a glance

Care level

Moderate

Temperament

Semi

Adult size

12 cm

Temperature

24 to 27 °C

pH

7.8 to 9

Smallest tank

200 litres

Keep as

A single bonded pair, or one fish with other Tanganyikan rock dwellers

Diet

Omnivore: quality cichlid pellets, frozen mysis, brine shrimp, krill and some vegetable matter

Swims

Bottom of the tank

Lifespan

8 to 10 years

Water

Freshwater

Wild range

Lake Tanganyika (Burundi, DR Congo, Tanzania, Zambia)

Breeding

A cave spawner that forms monogamous pairs, laying eggs hidden in rock crevices and guarding the fry, with older young often staying near the family. Breeding is fairly easy once a compatible pair forms, which is best achieved by growing on a small group.

Good to know

Pairs become territorial and can be hard on tankmates or rejected partners when breeding, so provide plenty of rockwork and room. Needs hard, alkaline, very clean water like other Tanganyikan cichlids.