Golden julie - Julidochromis ornatus

Scientific name: Julidochromis ornatus

Common name: Golden julie

Family: Cichlidae

Usual size in fish tanks: 8 - 9 cm (3.15 - 3.54 inch)

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Recommended pH range for the species: 7.5 - 8.9

Recommended water hardness (dGH): 12 - 30°N (214.29 - 535.71ppm)

0°C 32°F30°C 86°F

Recommended temperature: 22 - 25 °C (71.6 - 77°F)

The way how these fish reproduce: Spawning

Where the species comes from: Africa

Temperament to its own species: aggressive/territorial

Temperament toward other fish species: aggressive/territorial

Usual place in the tank: Middle levels

Food and feeding

Golden julie’s are omnivorous so do well with flake or pellet food.

Origin

The Golden Julie is an African cichlid, it is found in Lake Tanganyika.

Sexing

These are difficult fish to sex but the females tend to be slightly larger than the males.

Breeding

It is recommended to keep two males with 6 females for successful breeding, single pairs have been found to breed just as well. They like to lay their eggs in caves or hiding places, because of this it may not always be obvious when they have spawned. Once the female has hidden for a few days, start feeding the tank with newly hatched brine shrimp or cyclopeeze, as she will have fry with her. Multiple spawnings will co-exist in one tank. The fry will be very sensitive to large water changes, only perform small regular ones.

Lifespan

Expected lifespan is 5-7 years.

Short description

Julidochromis ornatus are a popular fish with many breeders as they are so easy to get to pair and spawn. Always make sure that there are caves and hiding places in the tank for them.

Picture

Bought by aqua-fish.net from jjphoto.dk.