Congo Dwarf Cichlid
Nanochromis parilus
Cichlidae
About
The Congo dwarf cichlid is a slender, colourful West African cichlid from the lower Congo River, where males reach about 8 cm and females a little less. A close relative of the kribensis, it forms monogamous pairs and spawns inside caves with shared parental care. It is relatively peaceful toward unrelated tankmates but becomes markedly territorial and pugnacious once a pair claims a breeding cave, and it likes to sift and dig fine sand.
Care
Best kept as a single pair in a 90 L or larger tank over soft sand with caves, driftwood and roots. Provide soft, slightly acidic, high-quality water and expect territorial digging and aggression around a spawning cave.
Diet
Omnivore with a small mouth; feed small sinking pellets and flake supplemented heavily with frozen or live bloodworm, daphnia and brine shrimp. Keep all foods small.
Tankmate compatibility
Gets along with (20)
Possible with care (69)
Avoid (32)
Computed by the AquaSage engine for a spacious reference tank — always check the full verdict for your exact setup in the calculator.