Transvestite Dwarf Cichlid

Nanochromis transvestitus

Transvestite Dwarf Cichlid is a peaceful middle swimmer. Best kept as a pair.

PeacefulMiddle swimmerBest kept as a pairIntermediate – Advanced

Save this fish or add it directly to one of your aquariums.

Quick facts

Adult size: ≤ 2.8" (≤ 7 cm)
Aquarium size: 15 US gal (55 L) or larger / ≥ 23.6" (≥ 60 cm) minimum length
Care level: Intermediate – Advanced
Temperament: Peaceful
Swimming zone: Middle swimmer
Temperature: 73–79°F (23–26°C)
pH: 4–7
GH: 8–15 dGH
Diet: Omnivore
Lifespan: up to 5 years
Group behavior: Best kept as a pair

Care requirements

Care level: Intermediate – Advanced.

Lifespan: up to 5 years.

Aquarium size and space needs

Minimum aquarium size: 15 US gal (55 L) or larger / ≥ 23.6" (≥ 60 cm) minimum length. Plan the layout and stocking within that limit.

Water parameters

Suitable water: temperature 23–26 °C, pH 4–7, GH 8–15 dGH.

Temperament and compatibility

Transvestite Dwarf Cichlid is peaceful and suits calm community fish.

Best kept as a pair.

Swimming zone and behavior

This fish uses the middle part of the aquarium, so leave enough open swimming space for movement and feeding. Best kept as a pair.

Feeding

As an omnivore, Transvestite Dwarf Cichlid should receive a varied diet rather than one repeated food type.

Before adding this fish

Plan for an aquarium of 15 US gal (55 L) or larger / ≥ 23.6" (≥ 60 cm) minimum length.
Make room for its social group.
Avoid aggressive or highly competitive fish.
Best kept as a pair.
Offer a varied diet that matches this species.

Natural habitat and origin

Origin: Democratic Republic of the Congo.

Similar fish profiles

Use these profiles to compare fish with similar care level, size, temperature range, or swimming behavior.

Allpahuayo Dwarf Cichlid Apistogramma allpahuayo Same family Similar care level Same temperament Intermediate ≤ 2.8" (≤ 7 cm) 75–82°F (24–28°C) African Butterfly Cichlid Anomalochromis thomasi Same family Similar care level Same temperament Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 3.1" (≤ 8 cm) 72–79°F (22–26°C) Black Stripe Dwarf Cichlid Taeniacara candidi Same family Similar care level Same swimming zone Intermediate – Advanced ≤ 2.8" (≤ 7 cm) 77–82°F (25–28°C) Banded Apistogramma Apistogramma bitaeniata Same family Similar care level Same temperament Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 3.1" (≤ 8 cm) 73–86°F (23–30°C) Blue Cheek Dwarf Cichlid Apistogramma eunotus Same family Similar care level Same temperament Beginner – Intermediate ≤ 2.2" (≤ 5.5 cm) 73–84°F (23–29°C) Amazon Dwarf Cichlid Apistogramma pertensis Same family Similar care level Same swimming zone Intermediate ≤ 2.8" (≤ 7 cm) 72–84°F (22–29°C)

FAQ

How large does Transvestite Dwarf Cichlid get?

Transvestite Dwarf Cichlid reaches ≤ 2.8" (≤ 7 cm).

What aquarium size does Transvestite Dwarf Cichlid need?

Use an aquarium of at least 15 US gal (55 L) or larger / ≥ 23.6" (≥ 60 cm) minimum length.

Is Transvestite Dwarf Cichlid peaceful?

Yes. Transvestite Dwarf Cichlid is recorded as peaceful and is best planned with calm community fish that do not harass it or dominate the feeding area.