[Ebook] 500 freshwater aquarium fish – Cichlids – Blue Flash (Cyprichromis leptosoma)

There are several Cyprichromis species available. All are slender bodied and most contain some blue and yellow on their fins and/or bodies. Males are usually brown in color, with bright yellow tips to their pelvic fins, and with blue dorsal and anal fins. The females are more drab, usually gray, with silver markings on the sides of the head. These active fish look at their best when kept in a shoal.

Distribution

• Throughout Lake Tanganyika, except the extreme north.

Size

• Wild-caught specimens around 3in (8cm); aquarium specimens can grow considerably larger.

Behavior

• A generally peaceful, active species, but males show some aggression toward each other.

Diet

• Wide range of foods accepted, but livefoods preferred.

Aquarium

• Large, open swimming areas and properly constructed backgrounds that reach almost to the water surface, with plenty of boltholes. Must be well lit and well filtered. Medium-hard, alkaline water. Temperature range: 73-77F (23-25 C).

Breeding

• Unusually, spawning takes place in midwater or just under the surface, with female picking up eggs as they begin to sink. Mouthbrooding females will tend to ignore fry once they are released some 3 weeks after spawning.