Nanochromis parilus

Classification

Cichlidae

Distribution

Democratic Republic of Congo.

Habitat

It is found in slow-moving areas of streams.

Maximum Standard Length

Males to 3.2″ (8cm), females to 2.8″ (7cm).

Aquarium SizeTop ↑

24″ x 12″ x 12″ (60cm x 30cm x 30cm) – 55 litres for a single pair.

Maintenance

The aquarium should contain plenty of hiding places. Clay pot caves, rocks, roots and pieces of driftwood can all be used. Plants are not essential but the fish will appreciate the additional cover. A sandy substrate is recommended as this species likes to dig. Filtration through peat is useful.

Water Conditions

Temperature: 72-77°F (22-25°C)

pH: 6.0-7.0

Hardness: 1-8°H

Diet

N. parilus will accept most foods offered but live and frozen varieties should form the bulk of the diet.

Behaviour and CompatibilityTop ↑

Relatively peaceful with heterospecifics that can cope with the soft and acidic water conditions required by this species. Good tankmates include smaller Alestiid tetras such as Ladigesia roloffi, some South American tetras and other dwarf cichlids such as Pelvicachromis species. N. parilus is best kept in pairs as it can be quite aggressive towards conspecifics. A large tank is required for more than one pair. We suggest allowing a territory of around 24″ x 12″ per pair.

Sexual Dimorphism

Females are more colourful than males, having a violet flush to the belly and more intense colouration overall. Adult males are larger than females and usually develop small extensions to the dorsal and anal fins.

Reproduction

Not easy, as this species will not spawn in water with a pH value of above 6.5 and preferably lower. Bi-parental cave spawner. A single pair can be bred in an 18″ aquarium, with a larger tank being required for 2 or more pairs. The aquarium should be set up as suggested above with very soft and acidic water of pH 5.0-6.5 and a temperature of 77-80°F. Gentle filtration via an air-powered sponge filter is adequate. Rocks and driftwood should be provided as the fish will dig under one of these to spawn. They will also provide hiding places for the female if she is not ready to spawn, as the male can be very aggressive in his pursuits, despite pairing being initiated by the female. The use of target fish, in the form of other compatible small cichlids, may prove successful but is not guaranteed. The fish should be conditioned on a varied diet of live and frozen foods.

When inbreeding condition the pair will take on more intense coloration and the female will begin to display at the male, contorting her body into an ‘s’ shape and exposing her violet belly. Much gill flaring and mouthing will ensue. The pair will then excavate a cave underneath a rock or piece of driftwood, where spawning occurs.

The male will defend the spawning site while the female tends to the eggs. Some role swapping may occur here. The eggs will hatch in 2-3 days and become free swimming at around 7 days.

The fry are relatively large and can be fed microworm and/or brine shrimp nauplii from the moment they are free swimming. It is essential that the fry are kept in very soft and acidic water. Swings in pH and dH will often result in large losses. As they grow, they can slowly be acclimatised to more standard conditions. Brood care by the parents usually continues for about a month, after which they may spawn again. Predation of the fry by the parents is very rare.

NotesTop ↑

N. parilus is one of the commoner Nanochromis in the hobby as it is more easily collected from its natural waters than most species. It is easily confused with the less often seen N. nudiceps but can be distinguished by the fact that male fish exhibit a barred patterning inn the upper half of the caudal fin which is not present in nudiceps. Females can be distinguished by the unpatterned lower part of the caudal, which is spotted in nudiceps. There are a couple of geographical variants available.

We do not recommend this species to the beginner due to its very specific water and care requirements.