Difficult
Protopterus annectens
24–28°C · pH 6.5–7.5 · 2000L
£62.99
Bulu Point locality Cyprichromis leptosoma — a peaceful, surface-orientated Tanganyika cichlid (~12 cm) that fills the top layer of hard-water tanks.
Adult size is the maximum length this species reaches at full maturity (scientific sources). The livestock you receive will be younger and smaller — pick a size variant above for the actual shipping size. Product-photo provenance and any image-specific limitations are stated on the listing.
Cyprichromis leptosoma
Cyprichromis lept. bulu point are a shoaling species — they need 6+ to feel safe and show their full colour. Larger shoals stay calmer, eat better, and look stunning.
Bulu Point locality Cyprichromis leptosoma — a peaceful, surface-orientated Tanganyika cichlid (~12 cm) that fills the top layer of hard-water tanks.
Adult size is the maximum length this species reaches at full maturity (scientific sources). The livestock you receive will be younger and smaller — pick a size variant above for the actual shipping size. Product-photo provenance and any image-specific limitations are stated on the listing.
Cichlids are one of the most diverse fish families in the hobby. From tiny apistogrammas to massive oscars, this guide covers the basics of keeping them well.
Maintain these water conditions for optimal health and vibrant colors
Glance at the surface of most Tanganyika aquariums and you will find empty water. The Bulu Point form of Cyprichromis leptosoma is the fix: its record places it in the top region of the tank, cruising the band of water that rock-dwellers, shell-dwellers and catfish all ignore. Add a fish like this and the display suddenly works from substrate to surface.
This locality form grows to around 12 cm, lives roughly eight years, and carries the peaceful temperament the genus is valued for. The record lists it as a carnivore, so feed meaty foods it can take high in the water column before the bottom crew hoovers them up. Like every Tanganyikan we sell, it wants hard, alkaline, stable water — 24 to 27 °C, pH 7.5 to 8.5, hardness between 12 and 30 dGH — and its moderate care rating mostly reflects that chemistry commitment rather than any fragility in the fish itself. A 250-litre aquarium is the workable minimum on record.
Where Bulu Point really earns its place is in a layered Tanganyika community. Because it claims the upper water, it slots in above an existing rockwork or shell-bed population without competing for an inch of anyone's territory. It simplifies feeding logistics too: food offered at the surface reaches it first by default, so you can feed the upper layer and the rockwork residents separately and confirm that everyone is actually eating. With about eight years of recorded lifespan, it will anchor that upper layer for a long time to come.
The compatibility list here is unusually generous: peaceful Lake Tanganyika cichlids, Julidochromis, non-aggressive Neolamprologus, Altolamprologus, Tanganyikan shell dwellers and Synodontis catfish all make sound neighbours. Steer clear of large predatory cichlids, highly aggressive mbuna, fin-nippers, very boisterous or territorial species, and fast competitive feeders that would beat it to food at the surface. Your order travels with a licensed live-animal courier and carries our live arrival guarantee.
24–28°C · pH 6.5–7.5 · 2000L
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