Cyprichromis Leptosoma "Blue Flash"
  Cyprichromis inhabitat  an area in Lake Tanganyika ,  known as the open water habitat. It  is the water column above the rock covered bottom. Although this area has never really been defined by researchers in the field ,  Cyprichromis have no problem. Males  defend a territory in midwater, they keep  equal distances between other males in the column. This terrritory not only extends horizontially but vertically as well, creating a 3d territory. Cyprichromis forage in schools and are plankton eaters and maternal mouthbrooders. Most female cyprichromis will carry fry for approximately 21 days give or take a few. Spawning takes place after a brief courtship, during which the male will bend his body and quiver in front of the female  inside the 3 dimensional cube he has established as a  territory.The male  than takes a position above the female in the center of his territory.The female releases 1-3 eggs in the water column and then immediately swims to catch them and takes the males sperm into her mouth. This is repeated many times until the female is empty of roe. Cyps, as they are affectionately known,are best kept in the aquarium in groups as male cyprichromis are relentless in their persuit of females.
 
 

Cyprichromis Leptosoma "Bulu Point"
                          Cyprichromis Leptosoma "Jumbo Black Fin"

  Paracyprichromis are very similiar to Cyprichromis in where they feed but thats where the  similiarities end. Paracyprichromis live in the rocky habitat. They can be found swimming vertically near a rock or upside down on the underside of a ledge generally in dark places and males will defend caves. Paracyprichromis spawn in the rocky area alongside a large vertical rocks  . The female does a  head stand which makes  her vertical in the water, as the eggs pass by her she catches them, while the male stays along side of  her  discharging  sperm on a continual basis.
 

Albino Paracyprichromis Nigripinnis
                                                Male above Female below
 
 

 
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