Common Name: Emperor Cichlid
Scientific Name: Boulengerochromis microlepis
Other Names: Blue Emperor Cichlid
The Emperor Cichlid is the largest known cichlid species, growing to an impressive size and displaying striking coloration. Juveniles feature a bright yellow body with dark vertical bars, while adults transition to a more subdued blue-green coloration with iridescent hues. Males develop deeper colors and larger body sizes than females. This species is highly aggressive and territorial, making it a dominant presence in any aquarium. Due to its size and temperament, it is best suited for experienced cichlid keepers with large tank setups.
Habitat and Distribution:
Native to Lake Tanganyika, the Emperor Cichlid inhabits open-water regions with sandy or rocky substrates, often patrolling large territories. It thrives in well-oxygenated waters with stable temperatures and alkaline conditions. Juveniles tend to stay near the shallows, while adults prefer deeper waters where they hunt smaller fish.
Size and Lifespan:
The Emperor Cichlid can reach up to 30 inches (75 cm) in the wild, though captive specimens typically grow between 18-24 inches (45-60 cm). With proper care, they can live for 10-15 years, though some individuals may exceed this lifespan in optimal conditions.
Diet and Behavior:
This species is a predatory carnivore, primarily feeding on smaller fish in the wild. In captivity, their diet should consist of high-quality carnivore pellets or sticks, frozen or live foods such as chopped raw tilapia, silversides, and earthworms, and occasional supplementation with crustaceans like krill or shrimp. Avoid feeding mammalian meats, as they are difficult to digest. The Emperor Cichlid is highly territorial and aggressive, especially as it matures. It requires ample space to establish its domain and is best housed with equally large and robust tank mates.
Breeding and Reproduction:
Emperor Cichlids are substrate spawners, with pairs forming strong bonds during the breeding process. To encourage breeding, provide a large, flat surface for egg deposition, maintain high water quality with regular water changes, and ensure a separate breeding area free of tank mates. After spawning, both parents actively guard the eggs and fry, displaying intense parental care. The eggs hatch within 3-5 days, and the fry become free-swimming after another week. Fry should be fed finely chopped protein-rich foods such as baby brine shrimp.
Aquarium Care and Tank Requirements:
A minimum of 300 gallons is required for a single adult, with larger tanks (500+ gallons) preferred for multiple individuals. Their ideal tank setup includes a fine sand or smooth gravel substrate, large rock formations to break sightlines and reduce aggression, powerful filtration to handle their high bioload, strong water movement for oxygenation, and moderate to bright lighting to enhance their coloration.
Ideal Tank Mates:
Due to their size and aggression, suitable tank mates must be large, robust fish that can hold their own. Possible tank mates include Fossorochromis rostratus, Frontosa cichlids, large Plecos, large Tanganyikan Synodontis catfish, and other massive, non-fragile cichlids. Avoid small or delicate fish, as they will likely be eaten or bullied.
Difficulty Level:
Advanced. Their large size, aggressive nature, and space requirements make them a challenging species that requires experienced care.
Water Parameters:
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Temperature: 75-82°F (24-28°C)
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pH: 7.8-9.0
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General Hardness (GH): 10-20 dGH
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Carbonate Hardness (KH): 10-15 dKH
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Ammonia: 0 ppm
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Nitrite: 0 ppm
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Nitrate: <20 ppm (regular water changes required)
Additional Information:
- Emperor Cichlids grow rapidly and require a substantial diet to support their development.
- They can recognize their owners and exhibit interactive behaviors but remain highly territorial.
- Due to their predatory nature, they should not be housed with fish small enough to fit in their mouths.
The Emperor Cichlid is a true giant among cichlids, offering both stunning appearance and impressive personality. It is best suited for aquarists with the experience and space required to house this remarkable species.
