Neolamprologus brichardi
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| Neolamprologus brichardi (Poll, 1974) |
Sometimes known as the lyretail cichlid or fairy cichlid, Neolamprologus brichardi is a species of cichlid, endemic to the clear, hard waters of Lake Tanganyika in east central Africa. It was first exported to North America in 1971 by Pierre Brichard and has since become a favorite of aquarium hobbyists because of its elegant looks, ease in breeding and unusual behavior.
Its appearance is generally a light tan ranging from almost white to dark tan with long flowing fins. The outer edges of the fins appear fluorescent sky blue, especially when young. Behind the eye to just in front of the gills is a black marking along with a bright yellow spot above a splotchy neon blue patch. The male of the species has slightly longer fins, a modestly protruding forehead and is commonly larger in size (up to 3 1/2 inches or 8 cm), compared to the female (up to 3 inches or 7 cm).
N. brichardi are monogamous and pair for life. They are extremely territorial, especially when spawning. Other adults remain outside the breeding area or risk being attacked, sometimes fatally. Eggs are laid on the walls or ceilings inside caves and are then fertilized. A spawn of approximately 100 fry hatch out and become completely freeswimming in 7 days. Juveniles remain in the area until adolescent and help the adults care for new fry.
In the wild, N. brichardi school in large numbers. When threatened by a predator, all the adults work together to protect the young fry.
[edit] References
- Bigirimana (2005). Neolamprologus brichardi. 2006 IUCN Red List of Threatened Species. IUCN 2006. Retrieved on 12 May 2006. Database entry includes a range map and a brief justification of why this species is of least concern
- Neolamprologus brichardi (TSN 648221). Integrated Taxonomic Information System. Accessed on 11 March 2006.
- "Neolamprologus brichardi". FishBase. Ed. Ranier Froese and Daniel Pauly. 10 2005 version. N.p.: FishBase, 2005.
- Ad Konings Tanganyika (1998). "Cichlids in their natural habitat", Cichlid Press
