FAIRY CICHLID 8-10CM The Fairy Cichlid is commonly found in the northern region of Lake Tanganyika, where it prefers shallow, rocky areas rich in sediment. These graceful fish often gather in large groups, sometimes numbering in the hundreds, to search for food together. However, during breeding season, they tend to pair off in monogamous relationships. For an aquarium housing this species, a minimum length of 4 feet is recommended, especially if other species are included. It’s important to ensure good filtration, water movement, and oxygenation. A sandy substrate is ideal, and the water should be hard and alkaline. Incorporating rocks to create small outcrops will provide necessary visual barriers. Fairy Cichlids can exhibit aggression towards each other in an aquarium setting, so having broken lines of sight in the decor can help mitigate this. They can thrive in a species-only tank or within a Tanganyikan community with similarly tempered fish. However, mixing them with other species may not always be successful in the long term, as their breeding habits involve producing large numbers of juveniles that defend their territory, potentially leaving little space for newcomers unless the aquarium is carefully designed. This species is part of the ‘brichardi complex,’ which includes similar species like gracilis, pulcher, and olivaceous, all sharing comparable behaviors. Pictures are of the fish in stock, if require any more please get in touch all sizes are approx
