Description

Nanochromis teugelsi “Bandudu”

A Comprehensive Guide:

Nanochromis teugelsi is a beautiful and relatively peaceful dwarf cichlid originating from the soft, acidic waters of the Congo Basin in Central Africa. They are known for their striking banded patterns and shy, secretive nature. Unlike many of their larger cichlid cousins, they are not suited for boisterous community tanks and thrive in a calm environment with plenty of hiding spots.

Key Characteristics

• Appearance: This species has an elongated body with a striking pattern of dark vertical bands on a lighter tan or grey background. They also have distinctive iridescent blue spots on their fins. Males are typically larger and have more pointed dorsal and anal fins, while females are more rounded and can display a vibrant purple or pink flush on their bellies when ready to spawn. They reach a maximum size of around 6 to 8 cm (2.5 to 3 inches).
• Temperament: They are generally peaceful and shy, though males can become territorial and protective of their chosen territory, especially during breeding. It’s best to keep them as a male-female pair.
• Lifespan: With good care, they can live for 5 to 8 years.

Aquarium Requirements

The key to keeping Nanochromis teugelsi “Bandudu” happy and healthy is to replicate their natural soft, acidic water and provide them with a heavily furnished environment that makes them feel secure.

• Tank Size: A minimum tank size of 60 litres (15 gallons) is suitable for a single pair. A larger tank of 100 litres (25 gallons) or more is ideal, as it allows for a more stable environment and provides more room to create territories.
• Water Parameters: They require soft, acidic water, which is a significant difference from Lake Malawi cichlids.
  • Temperature: 24∘C to 28∘C (75∘F to 82∘F)
  • pH: A range of $5.0$ to $6.5$ is crucial for their long-term health and breeding.
  • Hardness: They prefer soft water, with a dH of $2$ to $8$.
• Tank Setup: The aquarium should be heavily planted and decorated with plenty of natural cover. Use a fine sand substrate, as they enjoy sifting through it. Add driftwood, rock caves, and dried leaf litter (like Indian almond leaves) to mimic their natural blackwater environment. The leaf litter not only provides cover but also helps to lower the pH and adds a natural, beneficial bacteria.

Diet and Feeding

Nanochromis teugelsi are omnivores and will readily accept a varied diet.

• Diet: A balanced diet should include high-quality cichlid pellets or flakes, along with plenty of live and frozen foods.
• Feeding: Offer frozen or live foods like brine shrimp, daphnia, and occasional tubifex a few times a week to provide essential nutrients and encourage natural behaviours.

Compatibility

These cichlids are much more peaceful than other species, but they can still be bullied by larger, more boisterous fish.

• Good Tank Mates: They can be kept with other peaceful, small fish that prefer similar water parameters. Good options include various species of small tetras (like Neon or Cardinal Tetras), peaceful rasboras, and bottom dwellers like corydoras.
• Fish to Avoid: Do not house them with aggressive fish like Mbuna cichlids or larger barbs. Also, avoid other Nanochromis species in the same tank unless it is very large, as territorial disputes may occur.

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