What is a Sardine Cichlid?

Sardine Cichlids (Cyprichromis leptosoma) are peaceful, schooling open-water cichlids from Lake Tanganyika. They are called 'sardine' cichlids due to their elongated body shape and schooling behaviour in open water.

How many Cyprichromis should I keep?

Keep a group of at least 10 for natural schooling behaviour. Larger groups of 15–20 create more impressive displays and reduce stress. Males display their colours to attract females.

What water conditions do Cyprichromis need?

Maintain hard, alkaline water typical of Lake Tanganyika: pH 7.8–9.0, hardness 10–25 dGH, and temperature 24–27°C. Provide plenty of open swimming space at the top of the tank.

Can Cyprichromis live with other Tanganyika cichlids?

Yes, they are excellent community fish for a Tanganyika biotope. Since they occupy the upper water column, they complement rock-dwelling species like Julidochromis, shell-dwellers, and Synodontis petricola.

Cyprichromis leptosoma

Mpulungu Sardine Cichlid (Cyprichromis leptosoma «Mpulungu»)

Name: Mpulungu Sardine Cichlid (Cyprichromis leptosoma «Mpulungu»)
Brand: Tropical Fish Co
SKU: N482
Price: 8.99 GBP
Availability: PreOrder

Moderate Care

Peaceful

£8.99 – £14.99In Stock

Size

A peaceful, schooling open-water cichlid from the Mpulungu region of Lake Tanganyika. Males display stunning blue and yellow colouration during courtship. This pelagic species occupies the upper water column, making it an ideal complement to rock-dwelling Tanganyika species. Keep in groups of 10+ for natural behaviour.

CichlidaeCyprichromisLake Tanganyika CichlidLive FishModerate CarePeacefulSardine CichlidSchooling

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

Omnivore; 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 Mpulungu Sardine Cichlid (Cyprichromis leptosoma «Mpulungu») is a peaceful, schooling open-water cichlid from the Mpulungu region of Lake Tanganyika. Males display stunning blue and yellow colouration during courtship, while females are more silvery. This pelagic species occupies the upper water column, making it a perfect complement to bottom-dwelling Tanganyika species. Adults reach 12 cm and can live up to 8 years.

Care at a Glance

Scientific Name	Cyprichromis leptosoma
Family	Cichlidae
Origin	Lake Tanganyika, East Africa (Mpulungu)
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	Omnivore; plankton, crushed flakes, baby brine shrimp, cyclops
Lifespan	8 years
Tank Region	Top
Group Size	Group of 10+

Origin & Natural Habitat

Cyprichromis leptosoma is endemic to Lake Tanganyika in East Africa. The Mpulungu variant comes from the southern tip of the lake near Zambia. In the wild, this species forms large schools in open water above rocky substrates, feeding on plankton. It is one of the few pelagic (open-water) cichlids in Lake Tanganyika.

Tank Setup & Water Parameters

Provide a minimum of 200 litres for a group of 10 or more. Maintain water temperature between 24–27°C with a pH of 7.8–9.0 and hard water of 10–25 dGH. The tank should have plenty of open swimming space at the top, with rock formations below for bottom-dwelling tank mates.

Feeding Guide

This species is an omnivore that feeds on plankton in the wild. Offer crushed flakes, baby brine shrimp, cyclops, and fine-grade cichlid pellets. Feed small amounts several times daily to mimic their natural grazing behaviour.

Compatible Tank Mates

Good companions include other Tanganyika cichlids, Synodontis petricola, and shell-dwellers. Avoid housing with aggressive Mbuna and large predatory fish. You might also consider the Kitumba Jumbo Sardine Cichlid or the Xenotilapia Ochrogenys Kigoma 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. We offer live arrival guarantee, expert advice, and competitive prices. Order your Mpulungu Sardine Cichlid today and enjoy next-day delivery to your door.

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Moved by UK carriers licensed to handle live animals

Trained Packing

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

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Replacement or refund — just tell us the same day

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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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