All fish / Cichlidae

Dickfeld's Julie

Julidochromis dickfeldi

Also known as dickfeldi julie, dickfeld's julidochromis, brown julie, julie cichlid, dickfeldi cichlid, ジュリドクロミス・ディックフェルディ, 迪克菲尔德凤凰

A slim, torpedo-like Tanganyikan cichlid with a pale brownish body, dark horizontal stripes and fins edged in electric blue. It is one of the smaller julies and is kept for its interesting pair behaviour and suitability for rocky community setups with other Tanganyikans.

Care at a glance

Care level

Moderate

Temperament

Semi

Adult size

9 cm

Temperature

23 to 27 °C

pH

7.8 to 9

Smallest tank

100 litres

Keep as

One pair, or a small family group

Diet

Carnivore: small crustaceans, mysis, brine shrimp, quality cichlid pellets and flakes

Swims

Bottom of the tank

Lifespan

8 to 10 years

Water

Freshwater

Wild range

Lake Tanganyika (southwestern shores, Zambia and DR Congo)

Breeding

A cave spawner that forms monogamous pairs and lays eggs on the ceiling of a crevice, with both parents guarding fry that often stay on as a family colony. Breeding is fairly easy once a compatible pair has formed, though pairing can be tricky.

Good to know

Pairs become very territorial around their caves, especially when breeding, and mismatched pairs may fight to the death. Needs hard, alkaline water and plenty of rockwork; can hybridise with other Julidochromis species.