Moderate
Cyprichromis leptosoma mpulungu
24–27°C · pH 7.8–9 · 200L
£13.99
Out-of-stock Yellow Head Kekese Cyprichromis for Lake Tanganyika aquariums, with hard alkaline water, open swimming space and a settled group.
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. Photos are AI-enhanced, so the animal may show subtle colour or marking differences.
Cyprichromis leptosoma
Yellow Head Kekese Cyprichromis bond and breed in male/female pairs — buying a pair gives them the social structure they need.
Out-of-stock Yellow Head Kekese Cyprichromis for Lake Tanganyika aquariums, with hard alkaline water, open swimming space and a settled group.
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. Photos are AI-enhanced, so the animal may show subtle colour or marking differences.
Maintain these water conditions for optimal health and vibrant colors
Yellow Head Kekese Cyprichromis (Cyprichromis leptosoma) is an open-water cichlid from Lake Tanganyika. This listing is currently out of stock, so the page is written as a care and comparison reference until the next availability update.
The appeal of this Kekese form is the combination of yellow-head male colour, slim schooling movement and a calmer nature than many rock-dwelling Rift Lake cichlids. It suits aquarists who want activity in the middle and upper water rather than another territorial fish fixed to one cave.
| Scientific name | Cyprichromis leptosoma |
|---|---|
| Adult size | Around 8-10 cm |
| Minimum aquarium | 200 litres or larger, with clear swimming length |
| Temperature | 24-27 C |
| pH | 7.8-9.0 |
| Water hardness | Hard, alkaline Tanganyika-style water |
| Temperament | Peaceful for a Tanganyika cichlid; best in a group |
| Diet | Fine pellets, cyclops, daphnia, brine shrimp and similar small foods |
Plan the aquarium around open water. Use rockwork for structure, sight breaks and a natural Tanganyika look, but leave the upper half of the tank clear enough for the group to cruise. A long, well-oxygenated tank is more important than a crowded display full of decoration.
Keep a group of at least six, with larger groups preferred when space allows. Stable hard, alkaline water is important: aim for 24-27 C, pH 7.8-9.0 and consistent mineral content. Avoid soft, acidic community setups because they work against the fish rather than with it.
Feed small portions that match an open-water planktivore. Fine cichlid pellets, cyclops, daphnia, baby brine shrimp and similar foods are better than large sinking meals. Several light feeds suit the way Cyprichromis pick food from the water column.
Choose tank mates that respect open-water fish. Good options include calm Tanganyika cichlids, shell-dwellers and suitable Synodontis. Avoid aggressive mbuna, large predators and boisterous fish that will push Cyprichromis away from food.
When this fish is available again, eligible livestock orders are packed for stable travel and sent by live-animal courier. The Live Arrival Guarantee applies when arrival and acclimation instructions are followed. Eligible first-time customers can use WELCOME10 at checkout on qualifying orders.
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