Brichard's chalinochromis
Chalinochromis brichardi
Also known as Chalinochromis, Bridle cichlid
FreshwaterFish
Care at a glance
- Temperature
- 75–81°F
- 24–27°C
- pH
- 7.8–9.0
- Adult size
- 4.7 in
- 12 cm
- Minimum tank
- 53 gal
- 200 L
- Temperament
- Aggressive
- Social behavior
- Solitary
- Tankmates
- With caution
- Swim level
- Bottom
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Breeding
- Cave spawner · Medium
- Rarity
- Rare
- Family
- Cichlidae
- Origin
- Rocky shorelines of the northern and western parts of Lake Tanganyika in East Africa.
Overview
Brichard's chalinochromis is a rock-dwelling cichlid from Lake Tanganyika for a tank built around rockwork. It can be pushy, so it suits keepers with some experience of Tanganyikan cichlids.
Did you know
Young Brichard's chalinochromis carry bold dark stripes that fade as they mature. Adults are pale cream, with faint markings and dark lines across the face. The two stages look so different that beginners sometimes think they bought two species.
Caring for the Brichard's chalinochromis
Give a pair of Brichard's chalinochromis at least 53 gal (200 L), with heavy rockwork. Build in caves and passages for the pair to claim and defend. It spends its time near the bottom, among the rocks.
Keep the water hard and alkaline, at 75 to 81°F (24 to 27°C) and a pH of 7.8 to 9.0. Feed frozen and dry foods, including mysis, brine shrimp and quality pellets.
Brichard's chalinochromis is aggressive and territorial, so choose tank mates with caution. It is a cave spawner, and bonded pairs guard a crevice, the same pattern as Julidochromis. Breeding it is moderately difficult.
Good to know
Brichard's chalinochromis is a cichlid closely related to Julidochromis, the julies. It is named after Pierre Brichard, who did much to introduce Tanganyikan cichlids to the hobby.
In the wild
Brichard's chalinochromis lives along rocky shorelines in the northern and western parts of Lake Tanganyika. It threads through rocky slopes, searching cracks for food.
Common questions
What size tank does a Brichard's chalinochromis need?
A Brichard's chalinochromis needs at least 53 gal (200 L). It spends most of its time in the bottom.
What temperature and pH does a Brichard's chalinochromis need?
A Brichard's chalinochromis is comfortable at 75–81°F (24–27°C) with a pH of 7.8–9.0.
What does a Brichard's chalinochromis eat?
A Brichard's chalinochromis eats frozen and dry foods, such as mysis, brine shrimp and quality pellets.
How big does a Brichard's chalinochromis get?
An adult Brichard's chalinochromis reaches about 4.7 in (12 cm).
How does a Brichard's chalinochromis breed?
Brichard's chalinochromis is a cave spawner. Bonded pairs guard a crevice, as Julidochromis do, and breeding it is moderately difficult.
Related species
4.7 in (12 cm)53 gal (200 L)75–81°F (24–27°C)Popelin's chalinochromis
Chalinochromis popelini
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Maylandia hajomaylandi
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4.7 in (12 cm)53 gal (200 L)75–81°F (24–27°C)Scrapermouth mbuna
Labeotropheus trewavasae
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