Transvestite cichlid
Nanochromis transvestitus
Also known as Transvestitus, Congo dwarf cichlid
Care at a glance
- Temperature
- 73–81°F (23–27°C)
- pH
- 5.0–6.5
- Adult size
- 2.8 in (7 cm)
- Minimum tank
- 20 gal (75 L)
- Temperament
- Mostly peaceful
- Social behavior
- Solitary
- Swim level
- Bottom
- Difficulty
- Difficult
- Breeding
- Hard
- Rarity
- Rare
- Origin
- Blackwater of Lake Mai-Ndombe in the Democratic Republic of Congo, over sand and rocks.
- Family
- Cichlidae
Overview
A pair needs a quiet tank of about 75 liters with caves, driftwood and very soft acidic water at 23 to 27 C and a low pH around 5.0 to 6.5. Filtering over peat and using tannin stained water helps mimic its home lake. It is peaceful outside breeding but the female defends the nest fiercely. Feed small live and frozen foods like brine shrimp, cyclops and daphnia.
In the wild
This dwarf cichlid lives only in Lake Mai-Ndombe, a blackwater lake in the Congo basin stained dark by tannins. The water there is extremely soft and acidic, with a pH that can drop near 4. It shelters among rocks and roots over a sandy floor.
Good to know
The name transvestitus refers to the females, which are more colorful than males and show a bold striped tail, reversing the usual cichlid pattern. It is a cave spawner where the dominant female leads courtship. Its blackwater home makes it one of the more demanding dwarf cichlids to keep and breed.
Did you know
Its name means cross dresser, given because the female wears the flashy striped tail while the male stays comparatively plain.
Where to buy
Some links may not be the exact species or variety.
- Dan's Fish Freshwater fish, shrimp and snails with a live arrival guarantee
- The Wet Spot Tropical Fish Large freshwater selection from a longtime Portland fish store
…or ask your local fish store.
Appears in
Freshwater fish · Cichlids · Advanced fish · Bottom dwellers
Keeping Transvestite cichlid?
Track water tests, reminders and stocking fit.
Related species
Viejita dwarf cichlid
Apistogramma viejita2.8 in (7 cm)20 gal (75 L)75–82°F (24–28°C)Inca dwarf cichlid
Apistogramma baenschi2.8 in (7 cm)20 gal (75 L)73–82°F (23–28°C)Redbreast acara
Laetacara dorsigera2.8 in (7 cm)20 gal (75 L)72–81°F (22–27°C)
Panduro apisto
Apistogramma panduro3 in (7.5 cm)20 gal (75 L)75–82°F (24–28°C)
Golden dwarf cichlid
Nannacara anomala3.1 in (8 cm)16 gal (60 L)72–82°F (22–28°C)
Hongsloi dwarf cichlid
Apistogramma hongsloi3.1 in (8 cm)20 gal (75 L)73–84°F (23–29°C)