Dickfeld's Julie

Julidochromis dickfeldi is recognized by the three dark horizontal stripes on its light brown–beige body and the bright blue band along the edges of the dorsal, anal and tail fins. It reaches about 10 cm; its size falls between ornatus and regani. Its pattern resembles that of ornatus, but the background color is brown rather than yellow and the blue edge on the fins is much more pronounced.

It is a calm, hardy species that breeds easily. Because it is a julie that balances color and size well, it is a frequent choice for Tanganyika aquariums.

It lives along the lake's rocky shores, in crevices among rock piles. Pairs claim a rock group and constantly patrol the rock surface, picking up small invertebrates. Like other julies, it moves with its belly turned toward the rock; when in danger it takes refuge in the nearest crevice. The water is hard, alkaline and stable all year round.

• Volume: 100 liters for a pair; 150–200 liters with other species.
• Rockwork: rock piles with narrow crevices and multiple entrances.
• Water: pH 8–9, hard and stable; a 25% water change every week.
• Substrate: fine sand; a dark background brings out the blue edges.

Mainly carnivorous. A quality small cichlid granule should be the staple; vary it with frozen mysis, cyclops and brine shrimp. Give small amounts 1–2 times a day.

It defends its own rock territory; especially when there are fry, it chases off fish that approach. It is generally indifferent to fish outside its territory.

Good companions: Cyprichromis, Paracyprichromis, shell-dwelling cichlids (in a separate sandy area), Altolamprologus, Synodontis catfish.

Avoid: other Julidochromis species (they hybridize), Neolamprologus species competing for caves in a small aquarium, shrimp, aggressive mbuna.

• Kept as a pair; 5–6 juveniles are grown up together and the pair that forms is chosen.
• The female is slightly larger than the male; in incompatible pairs the male may get hurt.
• The fry grow up in the pair's territory; several generations can live together for a while.
• Juveniles should be removed as they approach adult size; otherwise the pair chases them and tension in the aquarium rises.
• A second julie pair is not added to the same aquarium.

A few dozen eggs are laid on the inner surface of a cave or narrow crevice. The eggs hatch within a few days; the fry appear at the mouth of the crevice after about a week and are fed newly hatched brine shrimp. The pair protects the fry for a long time.

• Hardy; it fades in soft water and at low pH.
• Bloat and bacterial infections: seen with poor water and overfeeding.
• Fight wounds may be seen in incompatible pairs.

Difficult from the outside. The female is usually slightly larger and plumper. A definite distinction is made by looking at the genital papilla.