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Blue-eyed Tropheus

Blue-Eyed Tropheus
Tropheus brichardi
"Not just one,… but of 8 different varieties!"
12/2/2007

   With the many different color varieties, it is no wonder the Blue-Eyed Tropheus is one of the more popular fish from Lake Tanganyika!

   These fish were called ‘Blue-Eyed Tropheus’ by hobbyists well before they were scientifically described, and true to this name the iris of their eyes can become blue colored if they are kept in optimal conditions. The main characteristic of these fish however, are the vertical stripes. The stripes can be very colorful on some varieties or simply an alternating brownish black and yellow. These stripes are primarily seen on juveniles and females as the males loose them over time, becoming an overall brown or dark green when mature. There can also be a light blotch on the top of their back and another opposite it on the belly. There are several varieties/races of this species and their coloring is dependent on where the fish are collected.

Pet of the Week – Tater

Five-bar Cichlid

Five-Bar Cichlid
"If you love the Frontosa, you’ll be crazy about me, pretty but so much smaller!"
11/26/2007

   A handsome captivating beauty, the Five-Bar Cichlid will make your aquarium an eye catching showcase!  

   Although the Five-Bar Cichlid Cichlid has the great colors of a Frontosa Cichlid, it has just a fraction of the size. It has a dramatic color pattern of bold black bars contrasted against a light silvery blue background, and is highlighted with gorgeous blue tinged fins. It can be housed in a smaller tank than the Frontosa and watching its antics is a reward in itself. When a pair breeds they will take on the same protection duties of their fry as some of the American Cichlids, and viciously guard them.

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Brevis Shelldweller Cichlid

Brevis Shelldweller
"I’m so sleepy, got a shell?"
11/26/2007

   Small sized and gentle natured, a pair of Brevis Shelldwellers can actually be kept in a tank that is only five gallons!

  True to its name, the Brevis Shelldweller is a dwarf cichlid from Africa that hides and spawns inside a shell. They require a very small territory, only claiming about 4 – 8" of space. So a bonded pair can be housed in a five gallon aquarium making this fish almost an office desk fish. A ten gallon aquarium is possible for two pairs if they have a lot of shells and places to hide, but a 20 gallon long is suggested to keep the pairs from fighting.

Masked Julie Cichlid

Masked Julie
"The smallest of the Julies, I can fit in a 20 gallon tank!"
11/25/2007

   The smallest of the Julies, the Masked Julie is easy to house in tight quarters!

   Some varieties of the Masked Julie can have a very similar color patterning to their close relative the Marlier’s Julie. They are similar in their care requirements too, but they can be distinguished in a couple of ways. A specimen with a checkered patterning will have only two rows of white spots, while the Marlier’s Julie has three or more. The Marlier’s Julie male also has a lump-like swelling on the neck, but this is absent from males of this species. But the most striking difference is in their size, this fish grows to a length of just under 3", which is barely half the size of its cousin. A 20 gallon tank is perfect for keeping a pair of these small Julies.

Marliers Julie

Marlier’s Julie or Checkered Julie
"Anyone for a game of checkers?"
11/25/2007

   A very interesting and intelligent fish, the Marlier’s Julie has a great personality!

   The Marlier’s Julie or Checkered Julie is somewhat shy and will stay in the rocks more towards the back of the aquarium, darting out to retrieve food. However they have a most interesting swimming style. They move in a determined manner up and down, sideways in between the rocks, or hang upside down under rocks. They also have a nice contrast of color, almost a checkered pattern, and have beautiful blue highlights encircling the body.

Dickfeld’s Julie

Dickfeld’s Julie
"I’m small, I’m cute,… and I’m brown!"
11/25/2007

   The Dickfeld’s Julie differs from the other Julies with its light brown coloring, so is also known as the Brown Julie

   The Dickfeld’s Julie not only differs in its coloring from the other Julies, but its body shape is a bit different. It has a larger dorsal fin and a more pointed snout. It is one of the smaller Julies, only reaching about 4". However it is not quite the smallest, its relative the Masked Julie at about 3" has that distinction. Its small size does make it easy to house in tight quarters and a 20 gallon tank is perfect for keeping a pair.

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