Julidochromis Dickfeldi
Julidochromis Dickfeldi (Julidochromis dickfeldi) is a beautiful and somewhat smaller member of the Julidochromis genus from Lake Tanganyika. The warm brown to copper background color is adorned with cream to white horizontal stripes and distinctive blue iridescence on the unpaired fins. Named for German aquarist Horst Dickfeld.
Feeding & Care Tip: Hikari Cichlid Bio-Gold is the ideal staple — Hikari Micro Pellets as backup. Supplement 2–3× per week with Hikari Frozen or Freeze-Dried Baby Brine Shrimp or Hikari Frozen or Freeze-Dried Tubifex Worms to enhance coloration and encourage breeding. Feed small amounts 2–3 times daily.
Lake Tanganyika is one of the world's oldest and most chemically stable lakes — its water is hard, alkaline, and crystal-clear. Replicating these conditions is essential. Use crushed coral or aragonite substrate to maintain alkalinity, provide excellent filtration and water clarity, and perform regular partial water changes. Tanganyikan cichlids are highly sensitive to poor water quality and must never be kept in soft or acidic conditions.
Keep as a pair or small group. Like all Julidochromis, Dickfeldi forms strong pair bonds and is a devoted cave spawner with biparental care. Territorial with conspecifics but manageable with other Tanganyikan species in a well-decorated rocky aquarium.
Native to the southern areas of Lake Tanganyika, particularly the Zambian shoreline — one of the more southerly Julidochromis distributions. The blue fin iridescence is most vivid in dominant males in excellent water conditions. A subtly beautiful fish for the experienced Tanganyikan enthusiast.
Care & Ideal Parameters
| Difficulty | Moderate |
| Temperament | Moderately aggressive — cave dweller |
| Typical Adult Size | 3.5 inches (9 cm) |
| Min. Group Size | Pair or small group |
| Ideal Temp | 75–82°F (24–28°C) |
| Ideal pH | 7.8–9.0 |
| Ideal GH | 10–20 dGH |
| Ideal KH | 8–15 dKH |
| Staple Food | Hikari Cichlid Bio-Gold; Hikari Micro Pellets (backup) |
| Treat / Supplement | Hikari Frozen or Freeze-Dried Baby Brine Shrimp, Hikari Frozen or Freeze-Dried Tubifex Worms |
| Origin | Southern Lake Tanganyika, Zambian shoreline |
| Notes | Named for aquarist Horst Dickfeld. Copper-brown with cream stripes and blue fin iridescence. Cave spawner — biparental care. Hard alkaline water essential. |
