Lemon Cichlid: Characteristics and Interesting Facts

Lemon Cichlid is a freshwater fish species native to Lake Tanganyika. It lives in cracks and small spaces throughout the lake.

It’s easy to confuse Lemon Cichlid with the similar N. longior fish, also from Lake Tanganyika.

The scientific name of this fish honors Belgian entomologist Narcisse Leleup who collected its first sample.

Lemon Cichlids are usually found hiding in their habitat and feed on invertebrates hidden within their surroundings.

For keeping them in an aquarium, you’ll need a tank that’s at least 80 cm (31 inches) long.

Lemon Cichlid Interesting Facts

Lemon Cichlids are native to Lake Tanganyika and live in cracks and small spaces.
They feed on invertebrates found on the lake floor and grow up to 3.9 inches (10.0 centimeters) long.
Their colors range from bright yellow to deep brown, and they lay eggs on flat surfaces or caves.
A minimum 31-inch-long tank is needed for keeping them in an aquarium.

Lemon Cichlid is a freshwater fish found in the southern half of Lake Tanganyika in Africa.

It swims close to the bottom (benthopelagic) and prefers a pH range of 7.5 to 8.0, with water hardness between 12 to 15 dH.

This tropical fish enjoys temperatures between 75°F to 79°F (24°C to 26°C) and is typically found around latitudes 6°S to 9°S.

Size: 3.9 inches (10.0 centimeters)

Lemon Cichlid grows up to 3.9 inches (10.0 centimeters) long.

Its color varies from bright yellow to deep brown, with both colors seen at every location it’s found in.

Being a small cichlid, Lemon Cichlid lays its eggs on flat surfaces or caves.