Shoal & Stem
Back to Flora & Fauna

No photo yet

Sign in to submit the first photo

FisheasyFreshwater

Convict Julie

Julidochromis regani

📍 Lake Tanganyika, Africa

Convict Julies are small, elongated cichlids from Lake Tanganyika known for their striking vertical black and white striped pattern. These peaceful bottom-dwellers are excellent for planted tanks and community setups, making them popular among aquarists seeking unique African cichlids. They are relatively hardy and can adapt well to various water conditions.

Size3.5"
Min Tank20g
peaceful
Zonebottom

Community Photos

0 photos

Photos are added when members log a tank with this species and upload a photo in their tank journal. Add your own tank to contribute.

No photos yet — add a tank with Convict Julie to be the first!

Sign in to vote.

Care Guide

Diet

Convict Julies are omnivorous bottom feeders that consume small invertebrates, algae, and plant matter. Feed high-quality sinking pellets, frozen foods like bloodworms and brine shrimp, and supplement with vegetable matter such as blanched spinach. Feed small portions once or twice daily, adjusting based on tank bioload.

Behavior

Convict Julies are peaceful, nocturnal bottom-dwellers that spend most of their time foraging along the substrate and exploring rocky crevices. They are relatively inactive during the day but become more active at dusk and night. These fish are generally non-aggressive and can coexist peacefully with other community fish.

Breeding

Convict Julies are substrate spawners that breed readily in captivity when provided with caves or crevices. Breeding pairs are monogamous and will aggressively defend their spawning site and fry. Provide plenty of hiding spots and maintain stable water conditions to encourage breeding behavior.

Common Diseases

Ich (Ichthyophthirius multifiliis)

Symptoms

White spots on body and fins, rapid breathing, lethargy, rubbing against objects

Treatment

Increase temperature to 28-30°C (82-86°F), perform water changes, use ich medication or salt treatment as directed

Fin Rot

Symptoms

Frayed or deteriorating fins, discoloration at fin edges, lethargy

Treatment

Improve water quality with frequent water changes, remove sharp decorations, use antibacterial medication if severe

Bloat (Malawi Bloat)

Symptoms

Swollen abdomen, loss of appetite, difficulty swimming, pale coloration

Treatment

Perform large water changes, feed high-quality foods, reduce feeding frequency, use antibiotics if bacterial infection suspected

Parasitic Infections

Symptoms

Excessive scratching, visible parasites, weight loss, cloudy eyes

Treatment

Quarantine affected fish, use antiparasitic medication, maintain excellent water quality and perform frequent water changes

Tips from the community 💡

0 tips

Real experiences, care advice, and keeper notes. Finn learns from these too.

Sign in to share your experience.

No community tips yet — be the first to share your knowledge!

Ask Finn

Quick Facts

diet
Omnivore - small invertebrates, algae, and plant matter
lifespan
8-10 years
max size
9 cm (3.5 in)
tank size
20 gallons minimum
temperament
peaceful

Water it likes

ph
7.5-8.5
ammonia
0 ppm
nitrate
<20 ppm
hardness
10-20 dGH
temperature
75–81°F (24–27°C)

Stats

Community tips0
Kept by0 hobbyists