Nanochromis Cichlid

The Nanochromis Cichlid is from the murky waters of Lake Mai-Ndombe, Africa. The female of this species is the more colorful of the two and is mostly black with vertical white stripes.

In times of breeding, the female will also gain a red coloration on the underbelly area. The ideal setup for the Nanochromis is an aquarium of at least 100 litres with plenty of plants, rocks, and driftwood for setting up territories and hiding.

Unlike other African Cichlids, these fish prefer an acidic pH and a low, general hardness. Tank mates should be of similar size and disposition, and have similar water requirements.

The Nanochromis will dig caves in the substrate and under objects in the aquarium for spawning. Therefore, it is important to secure all heavy objects in the aquarium to prevent them from falling when the substrate is burrowed into.

The female will deposit the eggs deep in the cave where the male will fertilize them. The fry will become waterborne in approximately 5 days, at which time, they should be fed baby brine shrimp and other suitable small foods.

The Nanochromis should be fed a variety of meaty foods with occasional vegetable-based foods. Bloodworms, daphnia, tubifex, brine shrimp, and a quality flake food including vegetable matter is a suitable diet.