Brichardi Cichlid (Neolamprologus pulcher)

Brichardi Cichlid Neolamprologus pulcher
Name	Brichardi Cichlid
Name Lat.	Neolamprologus pulcher
Synonym	Lamprologus pulcher
Family	Cichlids
Family lat.	Cichlidae
Order	Cichlids
Order lat.	Cichliformes
Origin	Lake Tanganyika
Habitat	Rocky habitat
Diet	Carnivore
pH	7.5-9.0
Behavior	Semi-aggressive
Keeping	Pair, group
Care Level	Moderate
Reproduction	Cave spawner
Breeding	Moderately difficult
Life Span	5-8 years
Protection	No
Metric Units
Size	8-10 cm
Temperature	24-28 °C
Hardness	15-18 °dH
Aquarium	~ 200 l
US Units
Size	3"-4"
Temperature	75-82 °F
Hardness	267-320 ppm
Aquarium	~ 50 gal

Distribution and habitat

The distribution area of the princesses of Burundi is exclusively (endemic) the southern part of Lake Tanganyika, in Zambia and Tanzania. They often live in colonies in the rugged rocky littoral at a depth of 10-15 m, where they stay over sandy bottoms

Maintenance

The aquarium should be structured with sturdy rock structures and robust plants, with caves, crevices and shelters that provide hiding places, as well as some open areas with fine sand substrate and adequate swimming space.

No ammonia, ammonium or nitrite should be detectable, and nitrate levels should not exceed 100 mg/l. To ensure the water quality and oxygen content, a filter and heater adapted to the aquarium size is required, as well as lighting for the species-appropriate day-night rhythm of the animals.

Diet

In nature they feed mainly on insects, insect larvae and plankton. The food supply consists of live, frozen and dry food. For a balanced diet, feed once a day with a high-quality dry food for Tanganyika cichlids (flakes, granules, pellets) as well as cyclops, daphnia, artemia, mosquito larvae, plankton, etc. (live or frozen)

It is recommended to feed small portions several times a day. Only feed as much as will be eaten within a few minutes. A regular and varied diet promotes health and prevents deficiency symptoms.

Behaviour and compatibility

They should be kept in pairs. A group keeping of 4-6 animals is possible in a much larger richly strutured tank. Towards other fish they behave very territorial and occupy large territories. A socialization is only recommended with other Tanganyika cichlids, like Julidochromis, Pseudotropheus or Melanochromis species. Basically, only compatible fish species with similar demands on water conditions and water temperature may be socialized.

Sex dimorphism

The sexes are difficult to distinguish. Adult males are slightly more colorful and have a longer extended dorsal and caudal fin.

Reproduction and breeding

They are pair-building cave breeders and usually attach the spawn to the cave ceiling or walls. The female performs brood care while the male defends the territory. The fry hatch after 2-3 days and swim free after 6-8 days. The fry remain in the parent's territory even when the parent spawns again and help raise the younger siblings. Thus, a colony may soon form, displacing other species.&nbsp

Fry must be fed several times a day with special rearing food (Artemia nauplii). In community tanks breeding is hardly possible, because the fry are easy prey.

Important

There are a few different colored site variants

The well-being of the fish should be checked regularly. Temperature should be checked daily, pH, hardness and nitrate levels at least every 14 days. Regular partial water changes are recommended, even when contaminant levels have not yet reached the upper limit. Sudden changes in water quality should be avoided. Newly introduced fish must be accustomed slowly to the water in the aquarium.

Further literature can be found in your pet store.

References

Text: Werner Winter; Image: petdata

Source: BMELV (1998): Tierschutzgutachten - Haltung von Zierfischen (Süßwasser); RIEHL & BAENSCH (2004): Aquarien Atlas Bd. 3, Mergus Verlag; ENGELMANN (2005): Zootierhaltung - Tiere in menschlicher Obhut: Fische, Verlag Harri Deutsch

• Gemäß § 21 Abs. 5 Tierschutzgesetz idgF