Teleogramma brichardi

Teleogramma brichardi is a cichlid with an extremely slender, cylindrical body that lives in the narrow gaps under and between stones in the rapids of the Lower Congo River. With its dark gray-brown body and flattened head, it looks more like a bottom fish than a cichlid; the edges of its fins are pale. Males reach 11–12 cm, while females stay smaller. It is very aggressive toward its own species; since even a pair can sometimes fight fiercely, plenty of hiding places are needed. It spawns inside a cave, and the female tends the eggs and fry.

• 80 liters for a pair; a large floor area and many narrow caves (stone crevices, thin tubes).
• Strong flow and high oxygen; the temperature should not exceed 26°C.
• pH 6.5–7.5, soft to moderately hard water; a 30% water change every week.
• If the pair is incompatible, they may need to be kept in separate compartments.

Carnivorous. Frozen bloodworms, brine shrimp, cyclops and small sinking granules are suitable.

It lives hidden on the bottom among the stones; it is intolerant of its own species and of bottom fish.

Good companions: Robust, current-loving fish that live in the middle and upper water (e.g. large characins, barbs).

Avoid: Bottom fish and other bottom-dwelling cichlids, shrimp, slow and delicate fish.