Family: Cichlidae
Masked Julie — a Cichlidae from Lake Tanganyika, Africa, feisty around breeding time; plan territory in advance. Reaches 5.2–7.7 cm; pairs or harems in tanks with broken sightlines. 22–25 °C.
Julidochromis transcriptus, a member of the family Cichlidae, comes from Lake Tanganyika, Africa, where it inhabits lakes and slow rivers with structure. Feisty around breeding time; plan territory in advance and hearty eater; feed pellets with regular vegetable matter, it grows to 5.2–7.7 cm and adapts well to a properly set-up aquarium in the 22–25 °C range. Other Julidochromis species in our database include Julidochromis marlieri.
Difficulty: moderate. Feisty around breeding time; plan territory in advance. Pairs or harems in tanks with broken sightlines.
Hold 22–25 °C and keep it stable — 22–25 °C recorded range. Heater required for stable tropical warmth.
Full size is 5.2–7.7 cm. Minimum tank: 71 L, with open swimming space along its bottom-dwelling habits.
Hearty eater; feed pellets with regular vegetable matter. Feed two small meals a day rather than one large one.
Feisty around breeding time; plan territory in advance. Recommended tankmates: Other cichlids of similar size and temperament — Balance aggression across the tank. Avoid Delicate planted-tank species — Uprooted and outcompeted.
Comes from Lake Tanganyika, Africa: lakes and slow rivers with structure. Expect still to gentle current and moderate.
Not a noted jumper — a standard cover still keeps dust and spray in.
In the aquarium: both parents guard eggs and fry for weeks. Often striking; males larger and brighter.