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Lake Tanganyika cichlids — species, locations & maps

Lake Tanganyika cichlids — species, locations & maps
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Julidochromis marksmithi 'Mwila Island'.jpg Julidochromis marksmithi 'Nkondwe Island'.jpg Julidochromis cf. marksmithi 'Sibwesa'.jpg Julidochromis marksmithi 'Silaf Rocks'.jpg Julidochromis marksmithi 'Ulwile Island'.jpg
Previous pageNext pageJulidochromis cf. marksmithi 'Sibwesa'
Tribe / Genus: Lamprologini / Julidochromis
Type locality: Kerenge Island, on the Tanzanian coast of Lake Tanganyika
Biotope: Intermediate sand–rock habitat, living closer to rocks than Julidochromis regani
Geographic distribution: Lake Tanganyika. Mainly around Kipili, Tanzania. Distribution reported from Kasoje to Fulwe Rocks. Additional populations reported between Kipili and Cape Mpimbwe, and further north according to different authors.
Typical adult size: 9–12 cm total length. Females larger (up to 12 cm), males smaller (up to 9 cm).
Sexual dimorphism: Females are larger than males. Similar to Julidochromis regani and unlike Julidochromis ornatus.
Recommended aquarium size: 100 L for a pair
Aquarium setup: Fine sand substrate with rock structures arranged to form many hiding places. For groups or community setups, a large aquarium (300–400 L) is required due to high intraspecific aggression. Best results are achieved by starting with a group of juveniles and removing excess individuals once a pair forms. Regular water changes are required.
Diet: Omnivorous. Feeds mainly on invertebrates picked from algae and aufwuchs, ingesting a significant amount of algae.
Breeding: Forms permanent pairs. Female is always larger than the male. Clutch size usually around 40–50 eggs, fewer than in J. regani but more than in J. ornatus. Eggs hatch after 2–2.5 days, fry become free swimming after 5–6 days. Both parents guard the young initially. Juveniles grow slowly and must be removed once they reach 2–2.5 cm, as parents may become aggressive towards them.
Aggression: Highly aggressive within the species. A bonded pair can be kept in approximately 100 L, but larger groups require aquaria exceeding 300 L.
Special notes: Previously known as Julidochromis sp. “regani kipili”, later described as a distinct species. Displays a deep yellow body coloration with strong black longitudinal lines. The dorsal line is interrupted at mid-body, and the lowermost line is restricted to the opercle. Shares characteristics with both Julidochromis ornatus and J. regani.

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Photo: © Yannic Bracaval
Photo: © Yannic Bracaval
Photo: © Yannic Bracaval
Photo: © Yannic Bracaval
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Lake Tanganyika cichlids — species, locations & maps.
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