Chalinochromis cyanophleps 'Kipili'

Callochromis sp. 'pleurospilus tanzania' Kipili.jpg

Cunningtonia longiventralis 'Kipili'.jpg

Cyathopharynx sp. 'neon streak' Kipili.jpg

Tribe / Genus:	Lamprologini / Chalinochromis
Type locality:	Western shore of Namansi village, Lake Tanganyika, Tanzania (Rukwa Region, Nkansi District; depth 5–10 m)
Biotope:	Rocky habitats with large boulders, occupying dark crevices and caves. Typically found in shaded, low-light areas, often swimming inverted beneath overhangs; rarely observed in open spaces.
Geographic distribution:	Restricted to a limited section of the southeastern Tanzanian coast of Lake Tanganyika, from Mvuna Island south to Kalala Island, including associated islands and reefs in the Kipili area.
Typical adult size:	Males up to ~16 cm TL; females up to ~14 cm TL
Sexual dimorphism:	No clear differences in coloration or morphology; males are on average 10–15% larger than females.
Recommended aquarium size:	150 L for a single bonded pair
Aquarium setup:	Dimly lit aquarium with extensive rockwork forming deep caves and narrow crevices. Best maintained as a single pair; avoid keeping together with other Chalinochromis species to prevent aggression and hybridization.
Diet:	Likely feeds on soft-bodied invertebrates and insects. In aquarium, accepts frozen and high-quality prepared foods for carnivorous cichlids.
Breeding:	Substrate spawner breeding deep inside dark caves. Both parents guard eggs and fry; brood sizes of around 70 juveniles documented in aquarium conditions.
Aggression:	Aggressive towards conspecifics and closely related species, especially within the genus Chalinochromis.
Special notes:	Described only in 2014 and still rare in aquaristics. A highly localized species with a very restricted distribution, making it potentially vulnerable despite no known direct threats.