2x Black and white slender cichlid - Julidochromis transcriptus DNZ pair

Julidochromis transcriptus, the Black and White Slender Cichlid, is a resident of the rocky littoral of Africa's Lake Tanganyika. In contrast to the four-striped slender cichlid, it remains somewhat smaller and is generally the smallest candidate among the Julidochromis, but at least as pretty. It also belongs to the cichlid family and is wonderful to keep in an African tank. The calm and peaceful fish can also be easily socialized and enhance an aquarium with representatives from Lake Tanganyika.

You will receive our black and white slender cichlids as pairs, which are also German offspring.

On the elongated, rather perch-unusual cream-colored body of the Black and White Slender Cichlids there are interrupted black-brown stripes, which give a spotted pattern. The head is more or less striped, the lip bulges pronounced. The ventral side is nearly spotless and bright. The dorsal fin runs the entire length of the back and widely, as do the caudal and anal fins, with a light blue, sometimes brown, fringe. The ventral fins may be translucent yellow with shimmering blue tones. Juveniles color more vibrantly as they grow older. With a total body length of about 7 inches, these perches do not grow quite as large as other slender cichlids. Females lag slightly behind males in size.

Julidochromis transcriptus also reproduces in the aquarium, but not quite as eagerly as other Julidochromis. They spawn in offered burrows, preferably on the ceiling. The female lays only a few eggs. During this time the harmonious pair forms a breeding territory, which they claim after the hatching of the young. The eggs require only about 36 hours to develop. The young can be raised on freshly hatched Artemia nauplii.

In an aquarium from 100 liters the black and white slender cichlids can be kept very well. The substrate should consist of a fine to medium gravel or sand. A structure of perforated rock, secured against falling over, offers the animals many small crevices and hiding places, in which they can retreat, but also breed. The planting plays rather a subordinate role and can consist of perching plants such as Anubia, Java fern or Bucephalandra consist. Since the animals are territorial in places and especially at spawning time, the infrastructure should provide sufficient territorial markings and visual protection. At a total hardness of 9-20 °dGH and a pH between 7.5 and 9.5, as well as a temperature of 24-29 °C the nicely drawn slender cichlids can be well maintained.

In their habitat the black and white slender cichlids feed mainly on small aquatic invertebrates, which is why they are not suitable for socialization with dwarf shrimps or other invertebrates. In a large Tanganyika tank, however, they can be easily socialized with others from the same habitat Fish from the same habitat.

In the aquarium, the carnivorous black and white slender cichlids can be fed well with commercially available  dry food in the form of flake food or granulated food for carnivorous ornamental fish. With live food or frozen food like Daphnia, Enchytraea or Artemia can be used to spice up their diet.

Our food recommendation: The NatureHolic Cichfeed has a grain size of 1.5 mm and is therefore also suitable for larger fish. It is the NH Cichfeed a soft granules for mainly carnivorous ornamental fish. It has the same consistency as small crustaceans and insect larvae that the fish eat naturally, and the soft granules protect the fish mouth from micro injuries that can be caused by hard feed granules.

Our plant recommendation: For planting, use NatureHolic InVitros. These are free of snails, planarians and other unwanted co-inhabitants. Also free of algae spores, bacteria and fungi.

Expert Tip: We recommend for fish keeping the NatureHolic 3 Phase Liquid. The care set offers the best all-round protection for your animals. It ensures optimal conditions for successful breeding and keeping.