Difficult
Protopterus annectens
24–28°C · pH 6.5–7.5 · 2000L
£62.99
A striking Tanganyikan cichlid with elegant lyretail fins, bold personality, and rewarding pair-bonded behavior. Moderate care, semi-aggressive. 24-27C, pH 7.5-8.5.
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.
Neolamprologus brichardi
Save when buying multiple fish. Each quantity is one fish; sex and pair formation are not guaranteed unless the selected variant explicitly states them.
A striking Tanganyikan cichlid with elegant lyretail fins, bold personality, and rewarding pair-bonded behavior. Moderate care, semi-aggressive. 24-27C, pH 7.5-8.5.
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
Graceful trailing fins and a darker body define the Lyretail Lamprologus Black (Lamprologus brichardi black), the black form of this much-loved Tanganyikan cichlid. At around 7cm it is a slim, elegant fish that drifts through the middle of the tank with the flowing lyretail finnage the group is named for.
Its appeal is as much about behaviour as looks. This is a carnivore that holds a territory among rockwork in hard, alkaline water, and it is happiest when allowed to pair off and raise young. Like its relatives it is semi-aggressive and becomes territorial when breeding, which is the price of watching its rewarding pair-bonded family behaviour up close.
Moderate to keep, it asks for stable water and a structured layout rather than anything exotic, making it a satisfying project fish for a dedicated Rift-lake aquarist.
Plan the tank around the way these fish live. A 120-litre or larger aquarium with rockwork gives them the cover and territorial structure they need, with the water held between 24 and 27°C, a pH of 7.5 to 8.5 and hardness from 12 to 30 dGH. Steady, hard, alkaline conditions let the species settle and begin its rewarding pair-bonded routines.
As a carnivore it does best on quality meaty prepared and frozen foods. The darker body and trailing fins make for an elegant fish in motion, and with a lifespan that can reach around eight years it offers plenty of time to observe the family behaviour that makes this group such a favourite among Tanganyika keepers.
Good companions are other Lake Tanganyika cichlids of similar size and temperament, peaceful Tanganyikan catfish and Synodontis species. Keep away from small community fish, slow-moving long-finned fish, very aggressive cichlids, fish requiring soft, acidic water, and tiny shrimp and fry. We ship with a licensed live-animal courier and stand behind every order with our live arrival guarantee. A settled pair will reward patient observation over the seasons.
24–28°C · pH 6.5–7.5 · 2000L
24–28°C · pH 5.5–7 · 60L
24–27°C · pH 7.5–8.8 · 150L
24–28°C · pH 8–9 · 300L
20–25°C · pH 6–7.5 · 80L
26–30°C · pH 5.5–7 · 60L
24–27°C · pH 7.5–9 · 150L
18–28°C · pH 6.5–8 · 20L
22–26°C · pH 6–7.5 · 60L
24–28°C · pH 7.5–8.5 · 40L
24–28°C · pH 7.5–8.5 · 500L
22–26°C · pH 6–7.5 · 150L
23–27°C · pH 5.5–7.5 · 80L
20–25°C · pH 6–7 · 60L
23–28°C · pH 6–7.5 · 80L