Not furry, but we like them anyway.
Brichardi Cichlid
Neolamprologus brichardi (Poll, 1974)
Also called Princess of Burundi, Princess Cichlid, Lyretail Cichlid, Fairy Cichlid, Brichard's Lamprologus
From Endemic to the rocky shores of northern Lake Tanganyika; it is very closely related to N. pulcher of the south, and some scientists treat the two as one species.123
At a glance the quick version
Looks how to spot one
Slender lamprologine cichlid with lyre tail
An elegant, slim fish with a pale beige body, a dark stripe behind the eye and long white-tipped streamers on the tail and fins.32
Personality what they are like
Peaceful with its own kind away from the nest, but firmly territorial when guarding a breeding cave, so tank mates must be chosen with care.23
Daily activity how busy a day looks
Active and visible; in the wild it schools in very large groups near the rocks.23
Grooming and care the hands-on bits
Hardy, but still needs clean, stable, hard and alkaline water.13
Home where they are happiest
Tank of at least 80 to 120 cm length (about 110 litres for a pair), with rock caves over sand. Temperature 22 to 27 C, pH 8.0 to 9.0, hardness 9 to 25 dGH.13
Food basics what goes in the bowl
Feeds on plankton in the wild. Offer plenty of live and frozen foods plus some dry food and plant matter such as spirulina.13
Company who they like around
Forms stable pairs that build up family groups over time; best in a species tank or with robust Tanganyikan cichlids in a large aquarium.31
The story where it all began
Described in 1974 and named after Pierre Brichard, a Belgian who exported fish from Lake Tanganyika. Its cooperative family life has made it a well-known study animal and a long-time favourite in the hobby.21
Fun facts for the dinner table
- 1
Older fry and juveniles stay with their parents and help guard the newest brood.2
- 2
Unusually for a cave-spawning cichlid, it lives in schools that can contain close to 100,000 fish.2
- 3
It is named after Pierre Brichard, an aquarium fish exporter based on Lake Tanganyika.2
- 4
A spawn can contain up to about 200 eggs, and fry swim freely after around a week.3
Recognised by the official bits
- IUCN Red List
- Least Concern (assessed 2 March 2025)1
- Taxonomy
- Described by Poll in 1974; part of the 'brichardi complex' with N. pulcher2
The care rhythm a typical week and year
A typical home-care rhythm for a Brichardi Cichlid. A starting point, not a vet's advice.
- FeedingSmall amounts once or twice a dayevery day
- Temperature checkevery day
- Water changeAbout 25% of the waterevery week
- Water testevery week
- Glass cleanevery week
- Filter rinseRinse in old tank water, never tap waterevery month
Owner questions the things everyone asks
How often should I feed my Brichardi Cichlid?
Feed your Brichardi Cichlid small amounts once or twice a day. This matches Furry Diary's starting plan and keeps your elegant fish healthy and active.13 Pet Wiki plan
What does a Brichardi Cichlid eat, and what should it never eat?
Offer a varied diet of live and frozen foods, plus dry food and spirulina. Avoid any food not designed for cichlids; for specific restrictions, ask your vet.13
How much space does a Brichardi Cichlid need?
A pair needs a tank of at least 110 litres with a length of 80 to 120 cm. Provide rock caves over sand so your fish can explore and feel secure.13
What temperature, light or water does a Brichardi Cichlid need?
Keep water at 22, 27°C, pH 8.0, 9.0, and hardness 9, 25 dGH. Lighting needs vary; a natural day cycle with shaded spots works well. For exact setup, ask a good breeder.13
How often should I clean a Brichardi Cichlid's home?
Furry Diary suggests a weekly 25% water change, cleaning the glass weekly, and rinsing the filter monthly in old tank water. This keeps the water stable and your fish happy. Pet Wiki plan
Can a Brichardi Cichlid live with others?
Yes, but choose tank mates carefully. It is peaceful away from the nest but territorial when breeding. Best kept in a species tank or with robust Tanganyikan cichlids in a large aquarium.31
How long does a Brichardi Cichlid live?
Lifespan varies with care; with a clean, stable home they can live several years. For a typical range, ask your vet or a good breeder.
Can I handle a Brichardi Cichlid?
Handling is not recommended as it stresses fish. Enjoy watching your elegant Brichardi Cichlid swim and interact instead.
Written from the sources on this page, a few checked guides (VCA, ASPCA, RSPCA) and Pet Wiki's own starting care plan. A friendly guide, not a vet's advice.
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MultiesWhere this comes from
Every fact on this page has a numbered source. Spotted an error? [email protected].
- FishBase: Neolamprologus brichardi fishbase.seused for size, water, diet, IUCN, describer
- Wikipedia: Neolamprologus brichardi en.wikipedia.orgused for names, taxonomy, schooling, cooperative breeding, etymology
- Seriously Fish: Neolamprologus brichardi / pulcher seriouslyfish.comused for care, tank, behaviour, breeding, other names
Checked 2026-09-30. Text is written in our own words from these sources.