Blue Neon - Paracyprichromis nigripinnis

Scientific name: Paracyprichromis nigripinnis

Common name: Blue Neon

Family: Cichlidae

Usual size in fish tanks: 10 - 11 cm (3.94 - 4.33 inch)

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Recommended pH range for the species: 8 - 8.5

Recommended water hardness (dGH): 11 - 20°N (196.43 - 357.14ppm)

0°C 32°F30°C 86°F

Recommended temperature: 23 - 25 °C (73.4 - 77°F)

The way how these fish reproduce: Spawning

Where the species comes from: Africa

Temperament to its own species: peaceful

Temperament toward other fish species: peaceful

Usual place in the tank: Middle levels

Food and feeding

Although Blue Neons will accept quality flakes or small pellets, they much prefer to eat small live or frozen foods like brine shrimp and mysis.

Origin

Africa, Blue Neons are to be found in Lake Tanganyika

Sexing

Adult males tend to be larger than the females. Both sexes are very colorful but the males tend to have more intense coloration.

Breeding

Paracyprichromis nigripinnis will often choose to deposit their eggs on the side of rocks or a piece of slate that had been leant against the tank glass. The female will mouth brood the eggs which are quite large. Normally they will lay a batch of 10-12 at a time. The fry will also be large when they have been released and will accept crushed flake or newly hatched brine shrimp immediately.

Lifespan

The expected life span for Paracyprichromis nigripinnis is 5-8 years.

Short description

The blue neon is a slow moving fish that prefers dimmer lighting. They will swim close to the rockwork, often swimming at strange angles.