Blue Neon Cichlid (Paracyprichromis nigripinnis) is an intermediate-level freshwater fish that needs at least 55 gallons and 74-80°F. A slender, shimmering Tanganyikan open-water cichlid that looks best in a school. It is peaceful, but it needs hard, alkaline, clean water, a long tank with open swimming space and rocky cover on the sides. Females hold the eggs in the mouth.
Care facts at a glance
| Scientific name | Paracyprichromis nigripinnis |
|---|---|
| Family | Cichlidae |
| Origin | Lake Tanganyika, East Africa |
| Adult size | 4-5 in |
| Minimum tank | 55 gallons |
| Temperature | 74-80°F |
| pH | 8.0-9.0 |
| Temperament | Peaceful |
| Social behavior | Schooling, keep 6+ |
| Swim level | Mid to upper |
| Difficulty | Intermediate |
| Diet | Omnivore: micro pellets, flake, frozen daphnia and brine shrimp |
| Typical lifespan | 6-8 years |
Quick tips
- Keep six or more in a long tank.
- Use hard, alkaline water; do not use acidic-water fish as tankmates.
- Choose calm tankmates; boisterous fish stress it.
San Diego water
Naturally suited to San Diego's hard, alkaline tap water once it is dechlorinated (the city uses chloramine, so use a conditioner that handles it). Learn the numbers in our San Diego tap water guide.
Before you buy
Make sure your tank is cycled (how to cycle a tank), check your numbers with the water testing guide, and use the compatibility guide to check tankmates. These are general ranges; individual fish and local water vary.
Find it at Pet Zone
Pet Zone Tropical Fish is a San Diego aquarium store with two locations. Stock changes daily, so call ahead if you are after a specific species or plant. Shop online at petzonesd.com.
4160 Convoy St, San Diego, CA 92111
(858) 987-0309
Open daily, 10am-6pm
Aquascaping, planted tanks
4266 University Ave, San Diego, CA 92105
(619) 283-1812
Closed Monday; Tue-Fri 10:30am-6pm, Sat 11am-6pm, Sun 11am-4pm
Monster fish, koi