All fish / Cichlidae

Regan's julie

Julidochromis regani

Also known as regani julie, convict julie, striped julie, four-striped julie, julidochromis kipili, julie cichlid, regan's julidochromis, ジュリドクロミス・レガニ, 雷氏尖嘴丽鱼, 雷根尖嘴

A slim, torpedo-like Tanganyikan cichlid with cream to yellow sides crossed by three or four bold black horizontal stripes and fins edged in blue-white. It is kept for its striking pattern, interesting pair behaviour and the way it hugs rockwork, often swimming upside down along cave ceilings.

Care at a glance

Care level

Moderate

Temperament

Semi

Adult size

11 cm

Temperature

23 to 27 °C

pH

7.5 to 9

Smallest tank

120 litres

Keep as

One pair, or a single fish with other Tanganyikan cichlids

Diet

Carnivore: small crustaceans, bloodworm, brine shrimp, mysis and quality sinking pellets

Swims

Bottom of the tank

Lifespan

8 to 10 years

Water

Freshwater

Wild range

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

Breeding

Pairs spawn hidden inside rock caves and crevices, and both parents guard the eggs and fry, often with several broods of different sizes living together. Breeding is fairly easy once a compatible pair has formed, which is best achieved by growing on a small group of juveniles.

Good to know

Pairs become very territorial when breeding and can kill unwanted tank mates or a rejected partner, so provide plenty of rockwork and room. It needs hard, alkaline water and good water quality, and it can hybridise with other Julidochromis species.