Teugels' nanochromis
Nanochromis teugelsi
Also known as Kasai dwarf cichlid
FreshwaterFish
Care at a glance
- Temperature
- 73–81°F
- 23–27°C
- pH
- 5.5–7.0
- Adult size
- 2.8 in
- 7 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
- Rare
- Family
- Cichlidae
- Origin
- Kasai drainage, Congo
Overview
Teugels' nanochromis is a small Congo dwarf cichlid that is kept much like a kribensis. It suits a keeper with some experience.
Did you know
Teugels' nanochromis honors the Belgian ichthyologist Guy Teugels, who spent his career cataloging African fishes at the museum in Tervuren. A string of newly found African species carries his name in tribute.
Caring for the Teugels' nanochromis
Keep Teugels' nanochromis as a single bonded pair in a quiet tank. A tank of at least 29 gal (110 L) suits a pair with a few small companions. It works the sandy bottom, so give it fine sand and some caves or shells for spawning. Driftwood and plants give it cover, and the light should stay dim.
Aim for soft water at 73 to 81°F (23 to 27°C) and a pH of 5.5 to 7.0. Keep it clean and low in dissolved waste, with gentle filtration. Feed small frozen and live foods such as bloodworm, brine shrimp and cyclops, plus fine sinking dried foods.
It is peaceful with small, calm fish, but a spawning pair defends its patch, so choose tank mates carefully. It is a monogamous cave spawner, and a pair takes over a cavity for its eggs. Both parents defend the eggs and fry until the young can fend for themselves. Breeding it is of moderate difficulty.
Good to know
Teugels' nanochromis, Nanochromis teugelsi, is a cichlid in the family Cichlidae, also known as the Kasai dwarf cichlid. Anton Lamboj and Robert Schelly described it in 2006.
In the wild
Teugels' nanochromis comes from sandy tributaries and quiet backwaters of the Kasai region and the central Congo basin. The water there is soft, warm and clean, over sand with patches of plants.
Common questions
What size tank does a Teugels' nanochromis need?
A Teugels' nanochromis needs at least 29 gal (110 L). It spends most of its time in the bottom.
What temperature and pH does a Teugels' nanochromis need?
A Teugels' nanochromis is comfortable at 73–81°F (23–27°C) with a pH of 5.5–7.0.
What does a Teugels' nanochromis eat?
A Teugels' nanochromis eats small frozen and live foods such as bloodworm, brine shrimp and cyclops. Give it fine sinking dried foods as well.
How big does a Teugels' nanochromis get?
An adult Teugels' nanochromis reaches about 2.8 in (7 cm).
How does a Teugels' nanochromis breed?
Teugels' nanochromis is a monogamous cave spawner, and a pair takes over a cavity for its eggs. Both parents guard the eggs and fry until the young can fend for themselves.
Related species
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