Cyprichromis leptosoma kitumba

The beautiful cyprichromis cichlid is a perfect example of the dither fish. Dithering fish are schooling fish that, through their schooling movement, signal the coast is clear. This allows the timid hiding creatures in the tank to come out of their shells and caves so they can actually be seen in the aquarium. The blue and yellow colors, sleek body, and peaceful disposition make these beautiful additions to any larger community tank or cichlid tank. Cyprichromis are best in schools of four or more, but these cichlids are hard to come by and are not cheap.

Quick Facts

Care Guide

Tank setup: Give them a fine sand bottom and plenty of open swimming space, with a few rocks along the back. Lake Malawi and Lake Tanganyika cichlids need hard, alkaline water; crushed coral or aragonite sand helps hold the pH up.

Feeding: Feed a quality small pellet or flake once or twice a day. They also enjoy frozen foods like brine shrimp.

Tankmates: They do best with other peaceful Tanganyikans such as cyprichromis, calvus, frontosa (when large enough) and synodontis catfish. Keep them in a group.

Good to know: Cyprichromis live in open water in large schools, so they are happiest in a group with plenty of swimming room above the rocks.