The Daffodil Cichlid (Neolamprologus pulcher)—often marketed as Daffodil brichardi—is a popular freshwater fish endemic to the rocky shores of Lake Tanganyika in East Africa.
While it shares the "Princess of Burundi" nickname with its close relative Neolamprologus brichardi, the "Daffodil" variety is distinguished by its vibrant yellow-orange highlights on the body and flowing, lyre-shaped fins.
Key Characteristics
Appearance: Features a creamy-tan body with bright yellow to orange accents on the fins and two distinct vertical crescent bars behind blue eyes.
Social Behavior: Famous for its cooperative breeding system, where older siblings help the parents protect and raise subsequent generations of fry.
Temperament: Semi-aggressive and highly territorial, especially when defending their breeding colony.
Size: Typically grows to 7–10 cm (3–4 inches), though they can occasionally reach up to 15 cm in home aquariums.
Aquarium Care Guide
To thrive, these cichlids require a setup that mimics the alkaline, mineral-rich environment of Lake Tanganyika:
Parameter Recommended Range
Tank Size Minimum 75–120 litres (20–30 gallons) for a pair; larger for a colony.
pH Level 7.8 – 9.0 (Hard, alkaline water is essential).
Temperature 24°C – 28°C (75°F – 82°F).
Substrate Sandy bottom (e.g., aragonite) to help buffer pH levels.
Decor Abundant rock formations and caves to allow for territorial boundaries.
Diet Omnivorous; thrives on high-quality flakes, pellets, and frozen foods like brine shrimp or bloodworms.
Breeding and Compatibility
Breeding: They are prolific substrate spawners that lay eggs in crevices. They often form "family colonies" where multiple generations coexist peacefully within the same territory.
Tank Mates: Best kept in a species-only tank or with other similarly sized Tanganyikan cichlids like shell dwellers or Julidochromis. Avoid housing them with very small fish that may be bullied or very large predators.
SKU: RBM
