Lemon cichlid

The lemon cichlid is a small, elongated Tanganyikan rock-dweller instantly recognised by its uniform bright yellow to orange coloration. It inhabits the rocky littoral zone of Lake Tanganyika, hunting through crevices for small invertebrates. Though modest in size at around 10 cm, it is territorial and best kept as a single specimen or a bonded pair, ideally in a tank with abundant rockwork forming caves and clear boundaries. It tolerates peaceful mid-water dithers but will defend its cave against similar species. Provide hard, alkaline water (pH around 8 to 9, high carbonate hardness) and stable warm temperatures. Feed a protein-rich diet of frozen and live foods such as mysis, brine shrimp and cyclops, supplemented with quality cichlid pellets. Avoid excess plant matter. Good filtration and stable chemistry keep its yellow colour vivid.