Cyprichromis

Cyprichromis leptosoma

Also known as: Sardine Cichlid

A peaceful, open-water schooling cichlid — unusual for swimming in mid-water shoals.

Water

Freshwater

Temperature

76–82°F

pH

7.8–9

Hardness

10–25 dGH

Max size

4 in

Min tank

55 gal

Temperament

Peaceful

Social

Schooling (8+)

Swim level

Mid-top

Diet

Carnivore

Care level

Intermediate

Lifespan

6-8 years

Breeding

Mouthbrooder

Suitability

Common

Origin

Lake Tanganyika (Africa)

Unlike most cichlids, it shoals in open water and is genuinely peaceful, making a beautiful upper-level group for a Tanganyikan tank. Males flash blue and yellow. Keep a large group in hard, alkaline water.