Daffodil Cichlid

The Daffodil Cichlid is an elegantly-colored Fairy Cichlid endemic to the rocky coastal waters of Lake Tanganyika, Africa. This species of cichlid is hardy with an elegant appearance that can attain a maximum size around 4 inches. Daffodil Cichlids are almost identical to their cousins, Neolamprologus brichardi with the exception of their fins. N. brichardi has blueish grey fins whereas N. pulcher, the Daffodil Cichlid, has lighter, more yellow fins especially, the dorsal fin.

The Daffodil Cichlid should be maintained in a Lake Tanganyika biotope aquarium of at least 30 gallons with other smaller Tanganyikan cichlids such as Orange Lelupi and other shell dwellers. Incorporate plenty of rocks, shells and African driftwood in order to build caves. Provide a sandy bottom of white aragonite to maintain the necessary high pH and alkalinity. A white, or brighter substrate will help to maintain the fish’s bright coloration. Darker substrates will cause these fish to darken.

The Daffodil Cichlid is a crevice spawner and breeding can be achieved in the aquarium. This is a slower growing species which may take a few years to reach sexual maturity. At that time, the males are typically larger than the females, attaining a size of about 4″. Once an acceptable site is found, the female will lay her eggs within a crevice, and the male will fertilize them. They are typically very good parents until they spawn again and will remain a pair until one of them dies. Feed the fry newly hatched brine shrimp and finely crushed flake food.

The Daffodil Cichlid diet should contain Spirulina flake or pellet food along with meaty items such as blood worms and mysis shrimp.