tanganyika

Neolamprologus Pulcher Daffodil F1

Neolamprologus pulcher “Daffodil”, one of the most popular and visually striking Tanganyikan colony cichlids, closely related to N. brichardi but with brighter coloration.

🐟 Neolamprologus pulcher “Daffodil” — Species Description

(Common name: Daffodil Cichlid)

📏 Size

Adult size: 8–10 cm (3–4 inches)

Slim, elegant body

Long, flowing fins

Males and females look very similar

🌍 Occurrence (Natural Origin)

Endemic to Lake Tanganyika, East Africa

“Daffodil” originates from:

Southern Zambia / Tanzania shoreline

Habitat:

Rocky slopes and rubble zones

Crevices and caves

Shallow to mid-depth waters

“Daffodil” is a well-established locality/population name, not a hybrid.

🎨 Appearance

Base color:

Bright yellow body

Markings:

Black eye stripe

Fins:

Long, flowing fins with blue and white edging

Color intensity increases with good diet and low stress

🍽️ Diet (Preferred Food)

In the wild:

Omnivorous plankton feeder

Feeds on:

Zooplankton

Small crustaceans

Insect larvae

In the aquarium:

High-quality small cichlid pellets

Frozen foods:

Mysis shrimp

Brine shrimp

Cyclops

Occasional vegetable-based foods

🧠 Behavior & Temperament

Highly social and cooperative breeder

Forms large family colonies

Older offspring help raise younger fry

Peaceful within the colony

Extremely territorial toward intruders

Best kept:

As a group (6+ fish)

In a colony-style Tanganyika tank

🏞️ Preferred Aquarium Conditions

Tank size:

Colony: 200 L (55 gallons) minimum

pH: 8.0–9.0

Hardness: Hard to very hard

Temperature: 24–26 °C (75–79 °F)

Substrate: Sand

Décor: Extensive rockwork with caves and vertical surfaces

🧾 Quick Summary
Feature Details
Scientific Name Neolamprologus pulcher
Variant Daffodil
Lake Tanganyika
Adult Size 8–10 cm (3–4 in)
Diet Omnivorous
Temperament Peaceful in colony, aggressive to outsiders
Breeding Cooperative colony breeder

⚠️ Compatibility Notes

Avoid mixing with:

Other Brichardi/pulcher variants (hybridization risk)

Small tanks with multiple cave spawners

Possible tankmates (large tanks only):

Cyprichromis

Altolamprologus

Calm open-water Tanganyika species

🧠 Expert Tip

Once established, Neolamprologus pulcher colonies can dominate an entire tank. Plan rockwork to give them vertical territory and leave open swimming space elsewhere.