Paracyprichromis nigripinnis

Paracyprichromis nigripinnis is a slender, elongated Tanganyika cichlid resembling Cyprichromis; however, instead of forming large schools in open water, it lives in small groups close to rock walls and cave entrances. Its dark brown–gray body has thin, bright neon-blue horizontal lines; its fins are dark with blue edges. These lines are more pronounced in males.

It is a calm, elegant and somewhat shy fish. Its posture, oriented toward the rocks and sometimes tilted on its side or head-down, sets it apart from ordinary schooling fish.

It lives along the lake's rocky shores, right in front of caves formed by large rock blocks and steep rock faces. It holds its body parallel to the rock surface and picks up zooplankton carried by the water. Its natural environment consists of calm areas where the light fades.

• Volume: at least 150 liters and a length of 100–120 cm for a group of 8–10.
• Layout: tall rock walls, overhangs and cave entrances; open water at the front.
• Lighting: dim or moderate light; it hides under bright light.
• Water: pH 8–9, hard and stable; a 25% water change every week.
• Lid: a lid is recommended, as it may jump when startled.

A plankton eater. Fine-grained, slow-sinking granules and flake food, plus frozen cyclops, brine shrimp, mysis and daphnia, are suitable. Food should be given in small pieces and small amounts, twice a day.

Extremely peaceful. Males display their colors in their own small areas, but serious fights are not seen. In busy, crowded aquariums it withdraws and may miss its food.

Good companions: shell-dwelling cichlids, Julidochromis species, calm sand-dwelling species such as Xenotilapia, Cyprichromis.

Avoid: large fish-eating species, active and aggressive fish such as Tropheus and mbuna, aggressive Neolamprologus species that claim the rocks.

• Kept in groups of 6–10 individuals.
• The male-to-female ratio should be 1 : 2–3; males set up small territories close to each other in front of the rocks.
• Juveniles can be bought and grown up together; the ratio is adjusted as the males become apparent.

The female is a mouthbrooder. Spawning takes place in midwater near the rock wall; the female collects the eggs into her mouth. Only a few eggs are laid and incubation lasts about 3 weeks. The fry are released ready to swim, hide among the rocks and are fed newly hatched brine shrimp.

• Stress: loss of color and food refusal are seen in a crowded, bright or noisy environment.
• Water quality: sensitive to high nitrate and sudden changes.
• Bloat: can occur with coarse food and overfeeding.

In males the blue lines are brighter and the fins longer and darker. Females are paler; telling them apart becomes easier when they are seen side by side.