Neolamprologus brichardi

Origin and locale/variety: Wide distribution, Lake Tanganyika, East Africa. Geographical varieties within the lake are just beginning to be identified.

Size: Adults are usually 3.0 to 4.0 inches in aquarium environment.

Sex differences: Males and females have a similar appearance. Males attain a larger size with a bit more pronounced head and finnage.

Aquarium behavior: Neolamprologus brichardi can be kept with a variety of different cichlids. They can be somewhat aggressive and can take care of themselves in most situations. Specimens will swim in and out of rocks and structure as well as through open water.

Aquarium diet: N. brichardi readily accept most foods--flakes, freeze-dried, frozen and live. A combination of foods is recommended.

Observed spawning habits: N. brichardi is a substrate spawner. The female will lay eggs in a cave or crevice. Once hatched and free swimming, the young are closely guarded by the parents. If juveniles from previous spawns are still in the aquarium they will also guard the fry.

Other information: N. brichardi has become a mainstay in the hobby and is an excellent "beginner fish" for the novice cichlid aquarist due to its many good traits. Its good looks have earned it a trade name of "The princess of Burundi".

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