All fish / Cichlidae

Moorii Cichlid

Variabilichromis moorii

Also known as neolamprologus moorii, lamprologus moorii, black lamprologus, moorii, black moorii, variabilichromis moori

A deep-bodied, velvety black lamprologine from Lake Tanganyika, often with fine blue edges to the fins; juveniles may show yellow or brown tones. Keepers value its striking dark colour and its interesting family life among rockwork.

Care at a glance

Care level

Moderate

Temperament

Aggressive

Adult size

9 cm

Temperature

24 to 27 °C

pH

7.8 to 9

Smallest tank

160 litres

Keep as

A single pair, or a small group in a large rocky tank

Diet

Omnivore: grazes aufwuchs; offer spirulina flakes, small pellets, mysis and brine shrimp

Swims

Bottom of the tank

Lifespan

8 to 10 years

Water

Freshwater

Wild range

Southern Lake Tanganyika (Zambia, Tanzania, DR Congo)

Breeding

Pairs spawn on rock surfaces or in caves and both parents guard the eggs and fry, with older broods often tolerated near new ones. Breeding is fairly straightforward once a compatible pair forms, but finding one can take time.

Good to know

Highly territorial and intolerant of its own kind and of similar dark fish, so give plenty of rockwork and choose robust tankmates. Needs hard, alkaline water with stable conditions.