Common Name: Daffodil Cichlid
Scientific Name: Neolamprologus pulcher
Other Names: Daffodil Brichardi, Princess of Burundi (sometimes confused with Neolamprologus brichardi)
The Daffodil Cichlid is a beautiful rock-dwelling cichlid from Lake Tanganyika, known for its graceful body shape, extended fin streamers, and subtle golden-yellow hue. It closely resembles Neolamprologus brichardi but has a more vibrant yellow coloration and iridescent blue highlights along its fins. This species is highly social, forming structured colonies in the wild and displaying unique cooperative breeding behaviors.
Habitat and Distribution:
Native to rocky shorelines of Lake Tanganyika, Neolamprologus pulcher inhabits areas with crevices and caves that provide shelter and spawning sites. They prefer clear, highly oxygenated water with a sandy or rocky substrate. Colonies often consist of multiple generations, with older offspring assisting in protecting younger fry.
Size and Lifespan:
Daffodil Cichlids grow to about 4-5 inches (10-13 cm), with males typically being slightly larger than females. With proper care, they can live for 8-10 years.
Diet and Behavior:
They are omnivorous, feeding on small invertebrates, plankton, and biofilm in the wild. In captivity, their diet should include high-quality cichlid pellets or flakes, frozen or live foods such as brine shrimp, bloodworms, and daphnia, and occasional plant-based foods like spirulina flakes. They are peaceful within their own groups but will defend their territory from intruders. Their hierarchical colony structure makes them fascinating to observe in a well-established tank.
Breeding and Reproduction:
Daffodil Cichlids are substrate spawners that lay eggs inside caves or rock crevices. To encourage breeding, provide multiple hiding spots and caves, maintain a stable environment with high water quality, and house them in groups to allow natural colony formation. Once eggs are laid, both parents, along with older offspring, help protect the fry. The fry become free-swimming in about a week and can be fed finely crushed flakes and baby brine shrimp.
Aquarium Care and Tank Requirements:
A minimum of 40 gallons is required for a pair, but a 75+ gallon tank is ideal for a colony setup. Their ideal tank includes a sandy or fine gravel substrate, rock formations and caves for shelter and breeding, strong filtration to maintain water clarity and oxygenation, moderate water movement, and bright lighting to enhance their natural colors.
Ideal Tank Mates:
Daffodil Cichlids do well with other peaceful to semi-aggressive Tanganyikan species. Suitable tank mates include Cyprichromis species, Altolamprologus species, Julidochromis species, and small Neolamprologus species such as shell dwellers. Avoid overly aggressive or highly territorial species that may disrupt their colony structure.
Difficulty Level:
Beginner to Intermediate. They are hardy and adaptable but require stable water conditions and a structured environment to thrive.
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:
- Unlike many cichlids, they form cooperative breeding groups, with older siblings assisting in raising younger fry.
- They exhibit strong pair bonds and will remain close to their mate for life.
- Their extended fin streamers and golden-yellow hues make them a visually striking addition to a Tanganyikan community aquarium.
The Daffodil Cichlid is an excellent choice for aquarists interested in Lake Tanganyika cichlids, offering stunning coloration, unique social behaviors, and long-term colony development in a well-maintained aquarium.
