Fairy Cichlid
Neolamprologus brichardi
Fairy Cichlid is a all-zone swimmer.
Save this fish or add it directly to one of your aquariums.
Need help with Fairy Cichlid?
Explore compatibility, care or problems using this guide and your aquarium’s conditions.
Quick facts
- Adult size
- ≤ 3.5" (≤ 9 cm)
- Aquarium size
- 53 US gal (200 L) or larger / ≥ 47.2" (≥ 120 cm) minimum length
- Care level
- Beginner – Intermediate
- Temperament
- Semi-Aggressive
- Swimming zone
- All-zone swimmer
- Temperature
- 73–79°F (23–26°C)
- pH
- 8–9
- GH
- 9–19 dGH
- Diet
- Omnivore
- Lifespan
- up to 8 years
Care requirements
Care level: Beginner – Intermediate.
Lifespan: up to 8 years.
Aquarium size and space needs
Minimum aquarium size: 53 US gal (200 L) or larger / ≥ 47.2" (≥ 120 cm) minimum length. Plan the layout and stocking within that limit.
Water parameters
Suitable water: temperature 23–26 °C, pH 8–9, GH 9–19 dGH.
Temperament and compatibility
Fairy Cichlid needs careful companion choice because it can be territorial or semi-aggressive.
Swimming zone and behavior
This fish uses multiple areas of the aquarium, so leave enough open swimming space for movement and feeding.
Feeding
As an omnivore, Fairy Cichlid should receive a varied diet rather than one repeated food type.
Offer small live/frozen foods and appropriate quality prepared foods, distributed away from guarded brood territories.
Before adding this fish
- Plan for an aquarium of 53 US gal (200 L) or larger / ≥ 47.2" (≥ 120 cm) minimum length.
- Choose other fish carefully around this temperament.
- Offer a varied diet suited to this species’ documented feeding habits.
Natural habitat and origin
Origin: Tanzania.
Important notes
- Adults form territorial breeding pairs and extended cooperative families, not a generic school of six.
- Breeding can produce intense territorial conflict; avoid closely related N. pulcher where hybridization is documented.
Similar fish profiles
Use these profiles to compare fish with similar care level, size, temperature range, or swimming behavior.
FAQ
How large does Fairy Cichlid get?
Fairy Cichlid reaches ≤ 3.5" (≤ 9 cm).
What aquarium size does Fairy Cichlid need?
Use an aquarium of at least 53 US gal (200 L) or larger / ≥ 47.2" (≥ 120 cm) minimum length.
Is Fairy Cichlid peaceful?
Fairy Cichlid needs more careful companion choice because the temperament data points toward boundaries, space, or similar-sized fish.
What temperature is suitable for Fairy Cichlid?
Keep it between 23 to 26 °C.
