Cyprichromis lept. jumbo turquise flame - Cichlid Fish for Sale UK

Turquoise against flame is a bold promise for a fish to make, and this jumbo form of Cyprichromis leptosoma is named for exactly that pairing — cool blue-green set off by hot flame tones. It is also a jumbo race in the meaningful sense: with an adult size around 15 cm on record, a group at full size turns the open water of a Tanganyika tank into the main event rather than the backdrop.

Size has not changed the genus character. This remains a peaceful, midwater-dwelling cichlid that stays out of the territorial politics happening down in the rocks, which is precisely why experienced Tanganyika keepers rate Cyprichromis so highly as community fish. Care sits at the moderate level — the fish is robust, but it expects proper Lake Tanganyika chemistry: 24 to 27 °C, pH between 7.5 and 8.5, and hard water in the 12–30 dGH band, all held steady week after week. A larger water volume works in your favour here: the more litres in the system, the slower any drift in temperature or pH, and the easier it becomes to keep readings inside that band between water changes. As a planktivore and micro-predator it does its feeding in open water, so choose smaller foods it can intercept on the drift rather than heavy fare that sinks past it.

Given the adult size, start at 300 litres and prioritise tank length over height. The reward is a genuine centrepiece display with a lifespan of around eight years per fish to enjoy it.

Keeping the Turquoise Flame jumbo

• One of the larger leptosoma forms — adult size around 15 cm
• 300 litres minimum, with generous open swimming length
• 24–27 °C, pH 7.5–8.5, hardness 12–30 dGH, kept stable
• Planktivore / micro-predator: small drifting foods over heavy sinking fare
• Peaceful; midwater; around 8 years of lifespan to plan for

Companions and ordering

Stock it alongside other peaceful Tanganyika cichlids, Synodontis catfish, or carefully chosen non-aggressive Tanganyikans with matching water needs. Rule out large predatory cichlids, highly aggressive mbuna, fin-nipping barbs, soft-water species and any tankmate small enough to be intimidated or outcompeted. Dispatch is by licensed live-animal courier, and every fish is covered by our live arrival guarantee.