Splendens nanochromis
Nanochromis splendens
Also known as Splendid Congo dwarf
FreshwaterFish
Care at a glance
- Temperature
- 73–81°F
- 23–27°C
- pH
- 6.0–7.5
- Adult size
- 2.2 in
- 5.5 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 rapids
Overview
The Splendens nanochromis is a dwarf cichlid from the Congo rapids for a rocky tank with real flow. It is a good choice once you have kept a few easier fish.
Did you know
The Splendens nanochromis keeps strange company in the Congo rapids. Its neighborhood includes blind cichlids and the fabled pools of river dolphins.
Caring for the Splendens nanochromis
Give a pair of Splendens nanochromis a tank of at least 29 gal (110 L), with cobble and crevices to shelter between. It needs current and stone to look like itself, so give it strong flow.
Keep the water clean, at 73 to 81°F (23 to 27°C) and a pH of 6.0 to 7.5. Its rapids origin means it tolerates stale water less well than most dwarf cichlids. Feed a fine sinking pellet as the base of the diet, with small live and frozen foods such as cyclops, daphnia and brine shrimp.
The Splendens nanochromis is mostly peaceful, but add tank mates with caution. In still water it stays washed out and hides. Given movement and clean water, the male develops a violet sheen and a patterned tail.
As in others of the genus, the female is the more colorful sex in breeding condition. It is a cave spawner, and breeding it is moderately difficult.
Good to know
The Splendens nanochromis is a member of the family Cichlidae, washed with violet over a pale body. A jeweled pattern runs through its tail fin.
In the wild
The Splendens nanochromis lives among the rocks of the lower Congo rapids. The water there is fast, well oxygenated and warm year round.
Common questions
What size tank does a Splendens nanochromis need?
A Splendens nanochromis needs at least 29 gal (110 L). It spends most of its time in the bottom.
What temperature and pH does a Splendens nanochromis need?
A Splendens nanochromis is comfortable at 73–81°F (23–27°C) with a pH of 6.0–7.5.
What does a Splendens nanochromis eat?
A Splendens nanochromis eats a fine sinking pellet as the base of its diet. Add small live and frozen foods such as cyclops, daphnia and brine shrimp.
How big does a Splendens nanochromis get?
An adult Splendens nanochromis reaches about 2.2 in (5.5 cm).
How can you tell a male Splendens nanochromis from a female?
Males develop a violet sheen and a patterned tail when given movement and clean water. In breeding condition, the female is the more colorful sex.
How does a Splendens nanochromis breed?
The Splendens nanochromis is a cave spawner, and breeding it is moderately difficult.
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)
2.6 in (6.5 cm)29 gal (110 L)73–81°F (23–27°C)Parilus nanochromis
Nanochromis parilus
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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
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