Nanochromis parilus

Nanochromis parilus lives in the slow-flowing stretches of the Congo River basin in the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It has a slender, elongated, bluish-gray body; females are more colorful and show a violet flush on the belly. In the trade it is often sold as N. nudiceps. The two species look very similar: the male parilus has bars on the upper half of the tail, while the female nudiceps has a spotted lower half of the tail.

• At least 80 liters for a pair; roughly 60×30 cm of floor space per pair.
• 23–26°C; pH 6–7.5 for everyday keeping. Breeding requires softer, more acidic water (pH 5–6.5, 25–26°C).
• Fine sand, flat stones and roots; the pair digs caves underneath them.

Omnivorous. Small sinking granules, frozen brine shrimp, daphnia, cyclops and bloodworms are suitable.

Relatively peaceful with suitable tankmates, but aggressive toward its own kind and similar bottom dwellers. Male and female dig the cave together and guard the fry together. It eats shrimp.

Good companions: midwater schooling fish (African characins, tetras, rasboras), bristlenose plecos (Ancistrus).

Avoid: other Nanochromis pairs (in a small tank), small bottom-roaming fish, shrimp, large cichlids.