How many Gold Sardine Cichlids should I keep together?

Keep in groups of 10 or more. They are pelagic schooling fish and display natural behaviour only in large groups.

What size tank do Gold Sardine Cichlids need?

A minimum of 200 litres with plenty of vertical swimming space. A tall aquarium is ideal for these open-water swimmers.

Are Gold Sardine Cichlids aggressive?

No, they are one of the most peaceful cichlid species. Males display to females but rarely show aggression towards other fish.

Cyprichromis leptosoma

Gold Sardine Cichlid (Cyprichromis leptosoma «Gold»)

Name: Gold Sardine Cichlid (Cyprichromis leptosoma «Gold»)
Brand: Tropical Fish Co
SKU: 0343
Price: 36.99 GBP
Availability: PreOrder

Moderate Care

Peaceful

£36.99In Stock

A peaceful, open-water schooling cichlid from Lake Tanganyika with attractive golden colouration. Keep in groups of 10+ for spectacular displays. Available with live arrival guarantee.

Cichlid TanganyikaCichlidaeFishLive FishModerate CarePeacefulSchooling Fishsite:tropical-fish-co

Care at a Glance

Scientific Name

Cyprichromis leptosoma

Adult Size

12 cm

Lifespan

8 years

Care Level

Moderate

Temperament

Peaceful

Temperature

24–27°C

pH Range

7.8–9

Hardness

10–25 dGH

Minimum Tank

200L

Diet

Plankton, crushed flakes, baby brine shrimp, cyclops

Water Parameters

Maintain these water conditions for optimal health and vibrant colors

Temperature

24–27°C

24°CIdeal Range27°C

pH Level

7.8–9

7.8Ideal Range9

Water Hardness

10–25 dGH

10 dGHIdeal Range25 dGH

The Gold Sardine Cichlid (Cyprichromis leptosoma «Gold») is a graceful pelagic schooling cichlid from Lake Tanganyika. Unlike most cichlids that hug rocks or substrate, Cyprichromis swim in the open water column, creating a mesmerising display when kept in large groups. Males display vibrant golden fins to attract females.

Care at a Glance

Scientific Name	Cyprichromis leptosoma
Family	Cichlidae
Origin	Lake Tanganyika, East Africa
Care Level	Moderate
Temperament	Peaceful
Adult Size	12 cm
Minimum Tank Size	200 litres
Temperature	24–27°C
pH Range	7.8–9.0
Water Hardness	10–25 dGH
Diet	Plankton, crushed flakes, baby brine shrimp, cyclops
Lifespan	8 years
Tank Region	Top
Group Size	Group of 10+

Origin & Natural Habitat

Endemic to the open waters of Lake Tanganyika. Cyprichromis leptosoma are pelagic schooling fish, forming large shoals in the water column above rocky reefs. Males display their colourful fins in open water to court females. Maternal mouthbrooder.

Tank Setup & Water Parameters

Provide a minimum of 200 litres with plenty of vertical swimming space. Maintain water between 24–27°C with pH 7.8–9.0 and hardness 10–25 dGH. A tall aquarium is ideal. Keep in groups of 10 or more for natural schooling behaviour.

Feeding Guide

Omnivore. Offer plankton, crushed flakes, baby brine shrimp, and cyclops. Feed small amounts multiple times daily to mimic their natural grazing habits.

Compatible Tank Mates

Good companions include other Tanganyika cichlids, Synodontis petricola, and shell-dwellers. Avoid aggressive Mbuna and large predatory fish. Consider the Kitumba Jumbo Sardine Cichlid or Yellow Sand Cichlid from our collection.

Why Buy from Tropical Fish Co?

At Tropical Fish Co, every fish is carefully selected and shipped with care across the UK. Live arrival guarantee, expert advice, and competitive prices. Order your Gold Sardine Cichlid today.

Licensed Courier

Moved by UK carriers licensed to handle live animals

Trained Packing

Hand-packed with oxygen bags, poly box, heat pack

Live Arrival Guarantee

Replacement or refund — just tell us the same day

Pay Later Available

Klarna & PayPal Pay in 3 at checkout

How your fish gets to you

Dispatched Tuesday, delivered Wednesday — every order tracked and insured.

Dispatched on Tuesdays by a UK courier legally licensed to carry live animals. You’ll get a tracking number on dispatch morning and live updates through the afternoon.
Hand-packed in an insulated poly box with oxygen bags and (Oct–Apr) 40-hour heat packs. £20 flat rate covers any number of fish.
Covered by our Live Arrival Guarantee. Tell us the same day your fish arrive with a short unboxing video — replacement or refund, no arguments. Why we need a video
You need to be home.Live fish cannot be left on doorsteps or with neighbours — it kills them. Please only order for days when someone will be in to sign.

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