Consortus nanochromis
Nanochromis consortus
Also known as Consort dwarf cichlid
FreshwaterFish
Care at a glance
- Temperature
- 73–81°F
- 23–27°C
- pH
- 6.0–7.5
- Adult size
- 2.6 in
- 6.5 cm
- Minimum tank
- 29 gal
- 110 L
- Temperament
- Mostly peaceful
- Social behavior
- Solitary
- Tankmates
- With caution
- Swim level
- Bottom
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Breeding
- Cave spawner · Medium
- Rarity
- Rare
- Family
- Cichlidae
- Origin
- Lower Congo rapids
Overview
The Consortus nanochromis is a tiny, current-loving dwarf cichlid for a rocky tank with strong flow. It is a step up from the easiest fish.
Did you know
The Consortus nanochromis lives near Inga, in rapids that are some of the most turbulent freshwater on earth.
Caring for the Consortus nanochromis
Keep the Consortus nanochromis as a single bonded pair in at least 29 gal (110 L). It threads the gaps between rocks along the bottom, so build a maze of piled stone with narrow caves.
Use a filter or powerhead to keep a brisk current running through the stonework. Keep the water well oxygenated and soft to neutral, at 73 to 81°F (23 to 27°C) and a pH of 6.0 to 7.5. Feed small sinking foods, frozen and live micro-foods, and a fine pellet.
It is peaceful for its family, but a pair defends a small territory around its cave. Keep only small, calm tank mates, and choose them with care.
The female is the more colorful sex and develops a swollen red to violet belly when ripe. Males grow longer fin rays. It is a cave spawner, and the pair raises eggs and fry together inside a defended hollow among the rocks. Breeding is of medium difficulty.
Good to know
The Consortus nanochromis, Nanochromis consortus, is a dwarf cichlid in the family Cichlidae. Its species name is Latin for partner or consort.
In the wild
The Consortus nanochromis comes from the rapids of the lower Congo River. It keeps among piled rock in strong, oxygen-rich current.
Common questions
What size tank does a Consortus nanochromis need?
A Consortus nanochromis needs at least 29 gal (110 L). It spends most of its time in the bottom.
What temperature and pH does a Consortus nanochromis need?
A Consortus nanochromis is comfortable at 73–81°F (23–27°C) with a pH of 6.0–7.5.
What does a Consortus nanochromis eat?
A Consortus nanochromis eats small sinking foods, frozen and live micro-foods, and a fine pellet.
How big does a Consortus nanochromis get?
An adult Consortus nanochromis reaches about 2.6 in (6.5 cm).
How can you tell a male Consortus nanochromis from a female?
A female Consortus nanochromis is the more colorful sex, with a swollen red to violet belly when she is ripe. Males grow longer fin rays.
How does a Consortus nanochromis breed?
The Consortus nanochromis is a cave spawner. The pair raises its eggs and fry together inside a defended hollow among the rocks.
Related species
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