Family: Cichlidae
Distribution: Cyprichromis leptosoma is another Lake Tanganyikan cichlid, found between Tanzania’s Kigoma region and Mpulungu, Zambia.
PH: 8.0 – 9.0
Temperature: 23°C – 25°C (72 – 76F)
Hardness: 9 – 19 dH
Description: Cyprichromis leptosoma can reach a maximum length of 11 cm. This species has a torpedo-like shape and is an excellent swimmer and jumper. Males have a light sliver-brown colouration and a yellow tail, a blue dorsal fin with some black markings, and blue, yellow-tipped pelvic and anal fins. Females, in contrast, are plainer, light-brown, with a touch of silver in some areas. You can expect this species to live 5 – 8 years on average.
Diet: In the wild, Cyprichromis leptosoma will eat plankton out of the mid-water areas, and are used to eating very small particles of food. This species will require regular small meals, given its petite size. You should feed it a quality flake and brine shrimp as its staple diet, but add glassworms and plankton on the odd occasion.
Breeding: Cyprichromis leptosoma females are maternal mouthbrooders. The female will catch the male’s sperm in her mouth, and lay her eggs in mid-water. She will then swim backwards to accept the egg in her mouth. This process will repeat itself several times; she will release the fry after about three weeks. You can feed the youngster the same diet as the adults, but on a smaller scale.
Comments: This species will require plenty of swimming room, a rock wall, and a sand substrate. This species schools in the thousands in the wild, and will do best in groups of 12 or more. Cyprichromis leptosoma is a hardy species that will add life and colour to any tank, and is highly recommended to newcomers to the hobby.
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Recommended Compatible Species: Cyprichromis leptosoma will go well with any Lake Tanganyikans, due to their excellent temperament and beautiful colouration. Species of Julidochromis, Chalinochromis and Paracyprichromis will all be compatible with Cyprichromis leptosoma. Do not house this species with aggressive Malawian cichlids.
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