Blue Neon Herring Cichlid (Paracyprichromis nigripinnis) CareSheet

The Blue Neon Herring Cichlid (Paracyprichromis nigripinnis) is a shoaling cichlid endemic to Africa's Lake Tanganyika's deep water sections. This species lives in the middle and higher levels of the aquarium's water column, in open water sections. It congregates in shoals and is unusually docile for a cichlid, despite the fact that each group has a defined hierarchy. When spawning, males establish a region in which they invite females who are mouthbrooders. Males gain a spectacular blue and yellow-orange color as they mature, whilst females are less colorful.

The Blue Neon Herring Cichlid will flourish in an aquarium with lots of open swimming room and sections of rockwork. For a Tanganyikan cichlid, this species is not aggressive, yet males will vigorously defend territory from rival males. It like to be maintained in groups of at least 6-8 specimens since it is quite gregarious. During spawning, territoriality is usually at its height. The Blue Neon Herring Cichlid should not be maintained with dwarf shrimp or other tiny, fragile invertebrates, but many other Tanganyikan cichlids make ideal tankmates. If spawning is desired, other species should be kept to a minimum or avoided entirely unless the aquarium is large enough with enough of cover and decoration. Although the Shoaling is a peaceful animal, adult males will occupy and defend specific territories against other males.

The uncomplicated Blue Neon Herring Cichlid is easy to feed. Dry, frozen, and live meaty items of high quality will all be welcomed. This species should not be fed dry items entirely since quality and diversity are the keys to a diet that will guarantee that it maintains maximum health and color. For best health and coloring, carnivorous animals must accept a range of high-quality dried, frozen, and live meaty diets.

Requirements for keeping Paracyprichromis nigripinnis

Temperature: 75° - 81° F
pH: 7.8 - 9.0
KH: 10 - 25 KH
Minimum tank size: 75+ gallons for a group
Origin: Lake Tanganyika, Africa
Average adult size: 4.5 inches

Paracyprichromis nigripinnis "blue neon" Kambwimba colony