Splendens nanochromis
Nanochromis splendens
Also known as Splendid Congo dwarf
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
- Tankmates with caution
- Swim level
- Bottom
- Difficulty
- Medium
- Breeding
- Medium
- Rarity
- Common
- Origin
- Lower Congo rapids
- Family
- Cichlidae
Overview
A small Congo rapids dwarf that needs current and stone to look like itself. Keep a pair in a tank with cobble, crevices and real flow. In still water it stays washed out and hides; given movement and clean water the male develops a violet sheen and a patterned tail. Feed small live and frozen foods, cyclops, daphnia and brine shrimp, with a fine sinking pellet as the base of the diet.
In the wild
Nanochromis splendens lives among the rocks of the lower Congo rapids, in fast, well-oxygenated water that stays warm year round. Keep it at 23 to 27 degrees Celsius and pH 6.0 to 7.5, with strong flow, clean water and cobble it can shelter between.
Good to know
Nanochromis splendens reaches about 5.5 centimeters and is washed with violet over a pale body, with a jeweled pattern through the caudal fin. As in others of the genus, the female is the more colorful sex in breeding condition. It is a cave spawner, and its rapids origin means it tolerates stale water less well than most dwarf cichlids.
Did you know
Its rapids neighborhood includes blind cichlids and river dolphins' fabled pools; the Congo's wild mile keeps strange company.
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 do Splendens nanochromis need?
Splendens nanochromis are comfortable at 73–81°F (23–27°C) with a pH of 6.0–7.5.
How big do Splendens nanochromis get?
An adult Splendens nanochromis reaches about 2.2 in (5.5 cm).
Where to buy
Some links may not be the exact species or variety.
- Imperial Tropicals Freshwater fish and inverts bred at a Florida hatchery
- The Wet Spot Tropical Fish Large selection of quarantined tropical freshwater fish, with live arrival guarantee and Next Day Air flat rate shipping to all US locations
…or ask your local fish store.
Appears in
Keeping Splendens nanochromis?
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Related species
Consortus nanochromis
Nanochromis consortusFreshwater2.6 in (6.5 cm)29 gal (110 L)73–81°F (23–27°C)
Parilus nanochromis
Nanochromis parilusFreshwater2.6 in (6.5 cm)29 gal (110 L)73–81°F (23–27°C)
Teugels' nanochromis
Nanochromis teugelsiFreshwater2.8 in (7 cm)29 gal (110 L)73–81°F (23–27°C)
Transvestite cichlid
Nanochromis transvestitusFreshwater2.8 in (7 cm)20 gal (75 L)73–81°F (23–27°C)Congo blue cichlid
Nanochromis nudicepsFreshwater2.8 in (7 cm)29 gal (110 L)73–81°F (23–27°C)
Blue fin roloffi
Enigmatochromis lucanusiFreshwater2.2 in (5.5 cm)29 gal (110 L)73–81°F (23–27°C)