Brichardi Lyretail Cichlid (Neolamprologus brichardi)

The Brichardi Lyretail (Neolamprologus brichardi), also known as the Fairy Cichlid or Princess of Burundi, is one of the most graceful fish from Africa's Lake Tanganyika. Its tan, torpedo-shaped body is finished with flowing lyre-shaped fins edged in blue and gold and a distinctive marking just behind the eye. Care level is intermediate, mainly because it needs hard, alkaline water. Explore our other live freshwater fish to plan your tank.

Care Guide

Brichardi come from a hard, mineral-rich rift lake, so the key to keeping them is stable, alkaline water with plenty of rockwork. Aquascape with stacked rocks and caves to create territories and spawning sites. They are hardy and long-lived once the water chemistry is right. A famous colony breeder, Brichardi form multi-generational family groups where older juveniles help guard the newest fry.

• Minimum tank size: 20 gallons for a pair; 30 gallons or more for a colony.
• Temperature: 76 to 80°F.
• Water: Hard and alkaline, pH 8.0 to 9.0, high GH and KH. Buffer with crushed coral or a rift lake mineral mix.
• Diet: Omnivore leaning carnivore. Feed a quality cichlid pellet or flake plus frozen brine shrimp, mysis, and cyclops.
• Aquascape: Lots of rock, caves, and crevices. They appreciate territory boundaries to reduce squabbles.

Specifications

Compatibility

Brichardi are happiest in a dedicated Lake Tanganyika setup. Excellent tankmates include other Tanganyikan cichlids such as Julidochromis, Cyprichromis, calvus, and other Neolamprologus, all of which share the same hard, alkaline water needs. They can be feisty and territorial, especially a breeding pair defending a cave, so avoid slow or long-finned community fish and do not mix them with soft-water species. Provide enough rock and floor space so each fish or pair can claim its own zone.

Recommended Foods & Supplies

• Hikari Cichlid Gold Pellet as a staple, with frozen foods for variety.
• Fritz Rift Lake Cichlid Buffer and Rift Lake Cichlid Salt to lock in the hard, alkaline water they need.
• Aquarium Co-Op Crushed Coral in the substrate or filter to naturally buffer pH and KH.
• A Hikari Texas Holey Rock cave for territory and spawning sites.
• Seachem Prime for every water change.

FAQ

What water parameters do Brichardi need?
Hard, alkaline water is essential, pH 8.0 to 9.0 with high mineral content. A rift lake buffer, cichlid salt, or crushed coral makes this easy to maintain.

Are they aggressive?
They are generally peaceful for a cichlid but become territorial when breeding. Give them rockwork and space, and house them with other rift lake cichlids rather than gentle community fish.

Will they breed in my tank?
Often, yes. With the right water and caves they readily form colonies, and older offspring help raise newer fry, which is one of the most fascinating things to watch in the hobby.

Can I keep them with my African cichlids from Lake Malawi?
It is best to keep Tanganyikans with Tanganyikans. Water chemistry is similar, but Malawi cichlids are usually larger and more aggressive and can overwhelm Brichardi.