Julidochromis ornatus "Kasakalawe"

If you keep Julidochromis species (Julies), you probably have a considerable amount of rock work in your tank. Here’s the scenario. You started off with a small group of sub-adults or juveniles, maybe five or so.

Julidochromis ornatus is a Tanganyikan cichlid that reaches 3" in length, making it one of the smaller "Julies." They sport a torpedo-shaped body with three horizontal black lines running from their face to their tail. They can be distinguished from other Julies by a large black spot on the caudal fin. Their body color is ivory though some populations have a golden hue to them. They inhabit rocky areas of the lake and can often be seen hovering upside-down below a rocky outcropping. Julies make for an excellent candidate for a breeder looking to try Tanganyikan cichlids, as they are cave spawners and tend to produce quite a few fry, which they raise for several weeks. Sexing is nearly impossible, so young groups should be kept together until they pair off.

Scientific Name: Julidochromis ornatus

Common Name:

Max Size: 3"

pH: 7.5-8.6

Hardness: Hard

Temperature: 70-82°

Aggressiveness: Semi-Aggressive

Region of Origin: Lake Tanganyika, Africa

Captive Bred or Wild: F1

Compatibility: Lake Tanganyikan cichlids