Lively Aquarium Blog | Freshwater Fish Guide

Description of Julidochromis Transcriptus

The masked julie (Julidochromis transcriptus) is a species of fish in the Cichlidae family. It is endemic to Lake Tanganyika in Africa where it is found in Burundi and the Democratic Republic of the Congo.Julidochromis transcriptus is a dwarf Julidochromis species.

A fish with a body shape similar to that of J. ornatus. The body coloring is yellow-white to golden yellow. Three brown-black lateral stripes run the course of the body. The uppermost runs through the bottom part of the anal fin, while the lower most extends from the snout, through the eye, and to the caudal fin. Often these stripes are broken or dashed. Six to eight transverse, brown-black stripes extend down from the back to the lower lateral stripe. These stripes are usually incomplete and broken, and often missing. The anal, caudal, and dorsal fins have a black and white edge. The pelvic fins are yellow. Several color and pattern variations are known.

julidochromis transcriptus

Scientific classification

Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Actinopterygii
Order: Perciformes
Family: Cichlidae
Genus: Julidochromis
Species: J. transcriptus

Description of Cyphotilapia Frontosa

Cyphotilapia frontosa is a fish from the cichlid family native to Lake Tanganyika in East Africa. Cyphotilapia Frontosa is endemic to Lake Tanganyika and is widespread in all areas of the lake. Unlike many cichlid species Cyphotilapia Frontosa is a pelagic fish and rarely ventures close to the shoreline. Cyphotilapia Frontosa can grow to a significant size with even captive specimens potentially growing to 35cm in length.

Cyphotilapia Frontosa has distinct markings with 5-7 black vertical bars adorning a white or blue body and trailing fins with a distinct blue hue. Cyphotilapia Frontosa is a sexually monomorphic species, although the hump is occasionally more pronounced in males.

Cyphotilapia Frontosa is popular aquarium fish and several naturally occurring colour morphs are frequently available for sale to hobbyists. To house a single frontosa you need at least a 75 gallon tank (285 L). However frontosa do not like being alone. A single frontosa needs a cave to live in; this is to ensure the frontosa feels secure. If a cave is not present to satisfy the frontosa’s need for security it will begin to attack the other fish in the tank fish. This is epically true with male frontosa. Frontosa are best kept in at least 150 gallon tanks (550 L). A 150 gallon tank can house 6-8 frontosa. Water chemistry and temperature should mirror those found naturally in Lake Tanganyika.

Frontosa

Scientific classification

Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Actinopterygii
Order: Perciformes
Family: Cichlidae
Genus: Cyphotilapia
Species: C. frontosa

Description of Tropheus Duboisi

Tropheus duboisi is a species of fish in the Cichlidae family. Tropheus duboisi is found in Burundi, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, Tanzania, and Zambia. Its natural habitat is freshwater lakes. These cichlids should be kept in small groups in large aquariums. They graze on algae, so be sure to supply the tank with some; or as a good alternative, use herbal food tablets. The females require many caves for shelter. Tropheus duboisi live among the rocky outcroppings where they feed on algae. Likewise, in the home aquarium they should be provided with numerous rocks and caves. These fishes tend to be “semi-aggressive” so they should not be kept with smaller or less aggressive fish.

Males are very territorial and need an area to call their own. The substrate should consist of a fine gravel or sandy bottom. It is recommended that these active fish be kept in a group or colony of at least a dozen specimens. As with all Tanganyika cichlids high water quality is vital. Not only is a good filtration system important but regular water changes (approx. 50% per week) is mandatory.

duboisi

Scientific classification

Kingdom: Animalia
Phylum: Chordata
Class: Actinopterygii
Order: Perciformes
Family: Cichlidae
Genus: Tropheus
Species: T. duboisi