Teugels' nanochromis

Nanochromis teugelsi

Also known as Kasai dwarf cichlid

FreshwaterFish

Teugels' nanochromis (Nanochromis teugelsi) — The Wet Spot Tropical Fish · Used with permission

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: Tankmates with caution
Swim level: Bottom
Difficulty: Medium
Breeding: Medium
Rarity: Rare
Origin: Kasai drainage, Congo
Family: Cichlidae

Overview

Teugels' nanochromis is a small West African dwarf cichlid kept much like a kribensis: a single bonded pair in a quiet tank, with tankmates chosen carefully since a spawning pair defends its patch. It works the sandy bottom, so give it fine sand, some caves or shells for spawning, and cover from wood and plants. It is otherwise peaceful with small, calm fish. Feed small frozen and live foods such as bloodworm, brine shrimp and cyclops, plus fine sinking dried foods. A tank of around 110 liters suits a pair with a few small companions.

In the wild

This dwarf comes from sandy tributaries and quiet backwaters of the Kasai region and central Congo basin, in soft, warm, clean water over sand with patches of plants. Recreate that with a fine sand floor, gentle filtration, driftwood, and dim light, keeping the water clean and low in dissolved waste. Aim for soft and warm, around 23 to 27 C and pH 5.5 to 7.0.

Good to know

Nanochromis teugelsi is a cichlid reaching about 7 centimeters. Anton Lamboj and Robert Schelly described it in 2006 and named it after the Belgian ichthyologist Guy Teugels, long a specialist in African freshwater fishes. It is a monogamous cave spawner: a pair takes over a cavity, and both parents defend the eggs and fry until the young can fend for themselves.

Did you know

It honours Guy Teugels, who spent his career cataloguing African fishes at the museum in Tervuren, Belgium; a string of newly found African species carry his name in tribute.