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Depressa teleogramma

Teleogramma depressa

Also known as Flattened darter cichlid

FreshwaterFish

Depressa teleogramma (Teleogramma depressa)

Care at a glance

Temperature
73–81°F
23–27°C
pH
6.5–7.8
Adult size
4.5 in
11.5 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
Lower Congo rapids

Overview

The Depressa teleogramma is a slim, bottom-hugging river cichlid that lives right on the substrate and darts across the stone. It is a step up from the easiest fish.

Did you know

The Depressa teleogramma takes its name from how flat it is. Pressed against the rock, it can slip into narrow cracks in the rapids where rounder fish cannot follow. It rests propped on its pelvic fins like a little tripod.

Caring for the Depressa teleogramma

Give one Depressa teleogramma or a single pair at least 53 gal (200 L). Recreate its river with strong flow from a pump or two and a broken floor of flat slabs, stones and rubble. Leave out fussy plants.

Keep the water soft to neutral, at 73 to 81°F (23 to 27°C) and a pH of 6.5 to 7.8. It is built for water that is very well oxygenated. It takes most foods readily, from sinking pellets to frozen bloodworm and brine shrimp.

It stakes out a patch of rock and defends it, so keep one fish or a pair rather than a group. It is territorial and will squabble. Choose active, current-loving tank mates that keep to open water, and avoid other bottom dwellers that would crowd its floor.

Like others in its genus, it is a cave spawner that hides its eggs in a rock crevice. Breeding is a moderate challenge given the right flow and water.

Good to know

The Depressa teleogramma is a rheophile of the genus Teleogramma, in the family Cichlidae. It is often called the flattest cichlid known, its body pressed down even further than that of its relative Teleogramma brichardi.

In the wild

The Depressa teleogramma comes from the rapids of the lower Congo River. The water there is fast, turbulent and rich in oxygen, running over bedrock and boulders.

Common questions

What size tank does a Depressa teleogramma need?

A Depressa teleogramma needs at least 53 gal (200 L). It spends most of its time in the bottom.

What temperature and pH does a Depressa teleogramma need?

A Depressa teleogramma is comfortable at 73–81°F (23–27°C) with a pH of 6.5–7.8.

What does a Depressa teleogramma eat?

A Depressa teleogramma takes most foods readily, from sinking pellets to frozen bloodworm and brine shrimp.

How big does a Depressa teleogramma get?

An adult Depressa teleogramma reaches about 4.5 in (11.5 cm).

How does a Depressa teleogramma breed?

A Depressa teleogramma spawns in caves, hiding its eggs in a rock crevice. Breeding it is a moderate challenge with the right flow and water.

Related species