All fish / Cichlidae

Small-scaled Cyprichromis

Cyprichromis microlepidotus

Also known as cyprichromis microlepidotus, microlepidotus, cyp micro, small scale cyprichromis, microlepidotus kasai, microlepidotus kiku, microlepidotus bulu point, キプリクロミス・ミクロレピドトゥス, 小鳞燕子

A slender, open water cichlid from Lake Tanganyika that lives in large shoals near rocky slopes. Males show iridescent blue bodies with yellow or blue fins depending on the location form, while females are plainer. Keepers value it as a peaceful, active schooling fish for the mid and upper water of a Tanganyikan tank.

Care at a glance

Care level

Moderate

Temperament

Peaceful

Adult size

11 cm

Temperature

24 to 27 °C

pH

7.8 to 9

Smallest tank

300 litres

Keep as

Group of 10 or more, ideally several males with more females

Diet

Carnivore: small zooplankton such as brine shrimp, mysis, cyclops and quality small pellets or flakes

Swims

Middle of the tank

Lifespan

6 to 10 years

Water

Freshwater

Wild range

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

Breeding

A maternal mouthbrooder that spawns in open water, with the female catching the eggs before they sink. She carries them for around three weeks and releases a few relatively large fry. Breeding is fairly achievable in a large, calm species tank kept in a good sized group.

Good to know

It is the largest Cyprichromis and needs a long tank with plenty of swimming space. It is skittish, so avoid boisterous or aggressive tankmates and keep a tight lid, as it can jump.