All fish / Cichlidae

Nanochromis parilus

Nanochromis parilus

Also known as blue nanochromis, congo dwarf cichlid, nudiceps, nanochromis nudiceps, blue congo dwarf cichlid, parilus cichlid, ナノクロミス・パリルス, 刚果蓝短鲷

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A slim dwarf cichlid from the rapids of the lower Congo with a pale blue, silvery body, a blue sheen on the flanks and white-edged unpaired fins, while ripe females show a rosy or greenish belly. Keepers like it for its interesting pair behaviour and lively nature in a rocky aquarium with plenty of caves.

Care at a glance

Care level

Moderate

Temperament

Semi

Adult size

7 cm

Temperature

24 to 28 °C

pH

6 to 7.5

Smallest tank

80 litres

Keep as

One pair, or a single male with one or two females in a larger tank

Diet

Omnivore: quality small pellets and flakes, frozen bloodworm, brine shrimp and daphnia

Swims

Bottom of the tank

Lifespan

4 to 6 years

Water

Freshwater

Wild range

Lower Congo River and Malebo Pool, Democratic Republic of the Congo and Republic of the Congo

Breeding

A cave spawner that lays its eggs on the roof of a cave, with the female tending the brood and the male defending the territory. Breeding is fairly easy in soft to moderately hard, clean water once a compatible pair has formed.

Good to know

Pairs can be very territorial, especially when spawning, and males may kill unwilling females, so give plenty of caves and line-of-sight breaks. It was long sold as Nanochromis nudiceps, which is a different species.