The 5 Best Tanganyikan Cichlids

By David Ogando Jr.

5. Masked Julie (Julidochromis transcriptus)

As one of the minnow cichlids, Julidochromis grows to a maximum length of 6.5 cm.

Possessing a vibrant blue along the edges of the fins, it will thrive with other peaceful fish in the

tank, so long as they are not a conspecific. A balanced, omnivorous meal will do this cichlid well

with a mix of spirulina flakes, pellets, and frozen brine shrimp & vegetable matter.

4. Altolamprologus compressiceps

With a maximum size of 12 cm, it possesses an iconic, elongated mouth that is used to

reach into crevices between the rocks where it naturally resides. While it is not an aggressive

fish, A. compressiceps has a risk of eating smaller fish it can see as food, and should not be kept

with Tropheus that can’t have a high protein diet like it does.

3. Shell Dweller (Lamprologus ocellatus)

Males and females growing to 6 cm and 3.5 cm respectively, this type of Tanganyikan

lives in snail shells where they also raise their young in colonies. While not an aggressive fish,

they will vigorously defend their shells, so they do best with other peaceful tankmates that stay

in the open water column. If one chooses to establish a Lamprologus colony, it is also imperative

t provide enough shells to prevent infighting.

2. Striped Goby Cichlid (Eretmodus cyanostictus)

One of the goby cichlids, E. cyanostictus is known for its underslung mouth and only

grows to 8 cm. Naturally a grazer, they will eat algae off rocks in a fishtank and do well with

minnow cichlids such as Cyprichromis or as a pair, which will bond for life. Also like a goby,

they do not swim in the water column but instead hop along the substrate.

1. White-Spotted Cichlid (Tropheus duboisi)

Growing up to approximately 12 cm, this fish starts out as black with white spots that can

then mold into a large stripe in adulthood. Best done as a centerpiece fish in a Tanganyikan tank,

it can be kept with peaceful cichlids such as Julidochromis, but will attack other Tropheus

species. It is imperative that it maintains a low-protein, algae-based diet to prevent intestinal

issues and “Malawi bloat.” When successfully bred, one can be even be able to marvel at their

mouthbrooding behavior!