Marlieri Cichlid
Julidochromis marlieri
Cichlidae
About
The Marlieri cichlid is an elongated, rock-dwelling dwarf cichlid endemic to the rocky shores of Lake Tanganyika. It hugs caves and crevices rather than swimming in open water, forms strongly bonded monogamous pairs, and defends its chosen territory vigorously against other Julidochromis and intruders. It demands the hard, alkaline, well-oxygenated water of its native lake.
Care
Keep a single bonded pair in a hard, alkaline Tanganyikan setup with abundant rockwork, caves and crevices, sand substrate and good oxygenation. Pairs turn very aggressive toward each other and rivals, so give a long footprint and secure territories.
Diet
Omnivorous micropredator grazing biofilm and small invertebrates off rock; feed a quality cichlid staple plus frozen or live micro-foods and a spirulina supplement, in small portions.
Tankmate compatibility
Gets along with (4)
Possible with care (152)
Avoid (115)
Computed by the AquaSage engine for a spacious reference tank — always check the full verdict for your exact setup in the calculator.
Telling males from females
What works for this species, most reliable first.
- Extended finsStrong · from about 8 months, and later in a suppressed male
On many cichlids and killifish the male's dorsal and anal fins draw out into trailing points as he matures, while the female's stay rounded.
- VentingA hint only · only on a mature fish, easiest when she is in breeding condition
The method breeders use when the answer has to be right. Hold the fish upside down in a wet hand or soft net and look at the two openings ahead of the anal fin. The forward one is the anus; the one behind it is what you are reading.
- Adult sizeA hint only · only across animals of the same age
In many cichlids, catfish and loaches one sex simply grows larger — usually the male, though there are well-known reversals.
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Frequently asked questions
- What tank size does a Marlieri Cichlid need?
- A Marlieri Cichlid needs an aquarium of at least 110 litres (29.1 US gallons) with a footprint at least 120 cm (47.2 in) long — for this species, swimming length matters as much as raw volume.
- What water parameters does a Marlieri Cichlid need?
- Marlieri Cichlid does best at 23–27 °C (73.4–80.6 °F), pH 7.5–9 and a general hardness of 8–20 °dGH.
- What group size does a Marlieri Cichlid need?
- Marlieri Cichlid is a social species — keep a group of at least 2 so natural behaviour emerges and stress stays low.
- Is the Marlieri Cichlid suitable for beginners?
- Marlieri Cichlid sits in the middle of the difficulty scale — manageable for a careful beginner who has done the reading, but it has specific needs worth researching first.