Sardine Cichlid — a Cichlidae from Lake Tanganyika, Africa, assertive but manageable with space and structure. Reaches 8.2–12.1 cm; singly, in pairs, or as a harem — never crowded. 23–25 °C.
Care parameters
Water temperature
23–25 °C
pH
8–9
GH hardness
9–19 dGH
Adult length
8.2–12.1 cm
Minimum tank
176 L
Water layer
Bottom-dwelling
Difficulty
Moderate
Temperament
Assertive but manageable with space and structure
Origin
Lake Tanganyika, Africa
Species overview
Cichlidae species Cyprichromis leptosoma comes from Lake Tanganyika, Africa. Territory is its whole worldview; rocks arranged as walls calm what open water cannot. It lives on the bottom. Adults reach 8.2–12.1 cm. Singly, in pairs, or as a harem — never crowded. Strong filtration, hardscape boundaries and a steady routine turn a brawler into a showpiece. Maintain 23–25 °C at pH 8–9. Undemanding once its core needs are met.
Native biotope
Habitat
Lakes and slow rivers with structure
Flow
Still to gentle current
Dissolved O₂
Moderate
Aquascape & hardware
Substrate
Sand with rock piles
Hardscape
Stones, caves and broken lines of sight
Plants
Hardy species that tolerate digging
Temperament, diet & tankmates
Schooling
Singly, in pairs, or as a harem — never crowded
Diet
Accepts all foods; emphasise quality over variety
Recommended tankmates
Other cichlids of similar size and temperament — Balance aggression across the tank
Avoid keeping with
Delicate planted-tank species — Uprooted and outcompeted
Breeding & notes
Sexual dimorphism
Often striking; males larger and brighter
Breeding method
Cave or substrate spawner with prolonged parental care