Parilus nanochromis
Nanochromis parilus
Also known as Congo dwarf cichlid parilus, Blue Congo 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
- Common
- Family
- Cichlidae
- Origin
- Lower Congo river
Overview
The Parilus nanochromis is a dwarf cichlid for a tank with rocks, caves and some current. It suits a keeper with a little experience.
Did you know
Parilus means nearly equal, a name given for the fish's resemblance to Nanochromis nudiceps. That likeness ran the hobby for fifty years, and generations of keepers bought this fish labeled as nudiceps.
Caring for the Parilus nanochromis
Keep Parilus nanochromis as a pair, with several caves to choose between. A spawning pair holds a firm perimeter, so give them at least 29 gal (110 L) and sight breaks.
Keep the water at 73 to 81°F (23 to 27°C) and a pH of 6.0 to 7.5, softer than most rock-dwelling cichlids need. Provide some current and keep the water clean. Feed small frozen foods, live daphnia and a fine sinking pellet.
Outside breeding, the Parilus nanochromis is unobtrusive and works the lower third of the tank. Choose its tank mates with caution.
Males show lilac to blue over the flanks, with a patterned tail. Females are the showier sex, though, developing a swollen purple to magenta belly in condition. That reverses the usual cichlid arrangement. It spawns in caves, and breeding is of medium difficulty.
Good to know
The Parilus nanochromis is a dwarf cichlid of the family Cichlidae. The true Nanochromis nudiceps is a genuinely different species, and it is rarely imported.
In the wild
The Parilus nanochromis lives along rock edges and among cobbles in the lower Congo. The water there keeps moving and stays clear and warm.
Common questions
What size tank does a Parilus nanochromis need?
A Parilus nanochromis needs at least 29 gal (110 L). It spends most of its time in the bottom.
What temperature and pH does a Parilus nanochromis need?
A Parilus nanochromis is comfortable at 73–81°F (23–27°C) with a pH of 6.0–7.5.
What does a Parilus nanochromis eat?
A Parilus nanochromis eats small frozen foods, live daphnia and a fine sinking pellet.
How big does a Parilus nanochromis get?
An adult Parilus nanochromis reaches about 2.6 in (6.5 cm).
How can you tell a male Parilus nanochromis from a female?
Males show lilac to blue on the flanks and a patterned tail. Females are the showier sex, developing a swollen purple to magenta belly when in condition.
How does a Parilus nanochromis breed?
Parilus nanochromis spawn in caves, and a spawning pair holds a firm perimeter. Breeding them is of medium difficulty.
Related species
2.6 in (6.5 cm)29 gal (110 L)73–81°F (23–27°C)Consortus nanochromis
Nanochromis consortus
2.6 in (6.5 cm) · 29 gal (110 L)
2.8 in (7 cm)29 gal (110 L)73–81°F (23–27°C)Congo blue cichlid
Nanochromis nudiceps
2.8 in (7 cm) · 29 gal (110 L)
2.8 in (7 cm)29 gal (110 L)73–81°F (23–27°C)Teugels' nanochromis
Nanochromis teugelsi
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2.8 in (7 cm)20 gal (75 L)73–81°F (23–27°C)Transvestite cichlid
Nanochromis transvestitus
2.8 in (7 cm) · 20 gal (75 L)
2.2 in (5.5 cm)29 gal (110 L)73–81°F (23–27°C)Splendens nanochromis
Nanochromis splendens
2.2 in (5.5 cm) · 29 gal (110 L)
2.6 in (6.5 cm)16 gal (60 L)77–84°F (25–29°C)Bigfin dwarf cichlid
Apistogramma megaptera
2.6 in (6.5 cm) · 16 gal (60 L)