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Sardine Cichlid
Cyprichromis leptosoma
📍 Lake Tanganyika
Cyprichromis leptosoma, commonly known as the Sardine Cichlid, is a small, streamlined cichlid native to Lake Tanganyika that exhibits striking metallic coloration and schooling behavior. These peaceful fish are ideal for planted or rocky aquascapes and thrive in groups, displaying fascinating synchronized swimming patterns. Their diminutive size and calm temperament make them excellent additions to community tanks with other Tanganyikan species.
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Care Guide
Diet
Feed high-quality micro pellets, small frozen foods such as cyclops and daphnia, and occasional live foods. Offer multiple small feedings daily rather than one large meal, as their small mouths and natural feeding behavior require frequent grazing. Supplement with spirulina-based foods to enhance coloration.
Behavior
Sardine Cichlids are highly social and should always be kept in groups of at least 6 individuals, where they display coordinated schooling behavior and establish loose hierarchies. They are active swimmers that prefer open water in the middle column but also utilize rocky structures for shelter and spawning sites. These fish are generally non-aggressive toward other species and spend much of their time in synchronized group movements.
Breeding
Breeding is moderately difficult and requires stable water conditions with temperatures around 25-26°C and slightly elevated pH. Males establish small territories around rocky crevices where they court females through elaborate displays. Fry are relatively easy to raise if provided with infusoria and micro foods, though parents may consume eggs if stressed.
Tank Mates
Similar size and peaceful nature; avoid in very small tanks
Peaceful schooling fish with compatible water parameters
Bottom dweller that won't compete for space or food
Small, peaceful algae eater that shares similar water requirements
Larger shrimp less likely to be predated; excellent tank cleaners
Common Diseases
Ich (Ichthyophthirius multifiliis)
White spots on body and fins, rapid breathing, flashing against objects, lethargy
Raise temperature gradually to 28-30°C (82-86°F), perform daily 25% water changes, use quality ich medication; maintain excellent water quality and reduce stress
Bacterial Infection
Fin rot, body sores, cloudy eyes, loss of appetite, erratic swimming
Perform frequent water changes, improve water quality, use antibiotic medication if severe; isolate affected fish if possible
Malawi Bloat
Abdominal swelling, loss of appetite, difficulty swimming, pale coloration
Improve water quality with frequent changes, feed quality varied diet with vegetable content, use medicated food; may indicate poor water conditions or diet deficiency
Parasitic Infection
Excessive scratching, visible parasites, clamped fins, weight loss, lethargy
Use antiparasitic medication, perform daily water changes, quarantine affected fish; maintain pristine water conditions to prevent recurrence
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Quick Facts
- diet
- Omnivore - small crustaceans, zooplankton, and quality micro pellets
- lifespan
- 5-8 years
- max size
- 9 cm (3.5 in)
- tank size
- 30 gallons minimum
- temperament
- peaceful
Water it likes
- ph
- 7.5-8.5
- ammonia
- 0 ppm
- nitrate
- <20 ppm
- hardness
- 10-20 dGH
- temperature
- 75–79°F (24–26°C)