Cyprichromis leptosoma Mpulungu "Blue Flash"

Origin and locale/variety: Mpulungu--Zambia, Lake Tanganyika, East Africa

Size: Adults are usually 3.0 to 3.5 inches in aquarium environment.

Sex differences: Males exhibit bright blue head, back, dorsal, and anal with variable yellow and blue tails. Females uncolored.

Aquarium behavior: All Cyprichromis are best kept in colonies which include numbers of both sexes. This genus is ideal for Tanganyikan community set-ups. They tend to school in the upper half of the aquarium. Despite their delicate looks, Cyprichromis are extremely hardy and can thrive in a number of environments. As long as they are not kept with very large frontosa or predacious Malawi Cichlids, they will be the highlight of any aquarium. Minimum aquarium sizes for adults is about thirty gallons, but at least fifty-five gallons is recommended.

Aquarium diet: Cyprichromis readily accept most foods: flakes, freeze-dried, frozen, and live. A combination of flakes, frozen, and live is recommended. Most of the time, they are first to the food.

Observed spawning habits: Although we have observed Cyprichromis breeding as a pair, the fish is typically bred in colonies. They breed in the open water column (in the center of the aquarium). Males in the aquarium will constantly display to vie for the females' attention. Females will mouth-brood the young for up to a month. A normal breeding colony consists of about 6 to 12 individuals.

Other information: There are many "Blue Flash" types from different locations.This variant from Mpulungu is a tried and true version as it's popularity has stood the test of time. The beautiful "veins" in the fins attracts many hobbyists.

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