The livestock that is sold on our online site is not held in store at our Birchwood Aquatic Centre shop. Species sold at the Birchwood Aquatic Centre physical store may differ from ones available to order to your door.
Paracyprichromis Nigripinnis Neon Blue Tanganyikan African Cichlids 5cm
Image for illustration purposes only. Exact colours, patterns, and size may vary between individuals.
Delivered alive, guaranteed
Live fish delivery is £20 per order, delivered Thursday, Friday or Saturday, arriving before 1:00pm on the day you choose at checkout. Packed by aquatic specialists and shipped overnight with a dedicated livestock courier, every fish is covered by our Live Arrival Guarantee with automatic refunds. See How Live Fish Delivery Works for full details.
When will my fish arrive?
| Order placed | Delivery day |
|---|---|
| Up to Monday 11:00am | Thursday (that week) |
| Monday after 11:00am – Tuesday 11:00am | Friday (that week) |
| Tuesday after 11:00am – Wednesday 11:00am | Saturday (that week) |
| Wednesday after 11:00am – Sunday (any time) | Thursday (following week) |
Overview
The Neon Blue Paracyprichromis is a slim, deep-water cichlid with electric blue lines running along a dusky body and fins, brightest in males. It hovers calmly among rock overhangs, often hanging upside down beneath them, and never strays far from cover. Endemic to Lake Tanganyika, it suits quiet Tanganyikan communities and keepers who can offer subdued lighting and gentle tank mates.
- Adult Size: Around 11 cm (4.5 in); males larger with longer tail extensions
- Lifespan: 8–10 years
Origin
- Native to: Lake Tanganyika, East Africa (endemic)
- Habitat: Deep rocky slopes, overhangs and caves
Feeding
- Diet: Carnivorous, zooplankton feeder
- Preferred Foods: Brine shrimp, daphnia, cyclops, mysis, small pellets, cichlid flake
- Feeding Habits: Small feeds two or three times daily; small mouth, easily outcompeted at feeding
Tank Mates
- Best with: Shell dwellers, Julidochromis, Altolamprologus, Cyprichromis, Xenotilapia, small Synodontis
- Avoid: Mbuna, aggressive or fast-feeding cichlids, fin nippers
Aggression & Behaviour
- Temperament: Very peaceful and retiring; forms loose shoals
- Territoriality: Males claim a cave or overhang when breeding, displaying to females
Experience Level
- Difficulty: Intermediate
- Challenges: Shy feeder; loses colour under bright light, bullying or unstable water
Water Parameters
- Water Type: Freshwater, hard and alkaline
- Temperature: 24–27°C (75–81°F)
- pH: 7.5–9.0
- Hardness: 8–25 dGH
- Flow: Moderate, well oxygenated
- Tank Size: Minimum 200 litres; 120 cm long with tall rockwork for a group of eight
Final Notes
Keep a group of eight or more with several females per male so the loose shoal feels secure. Build tall rockwork with overhangs and caves and keep lighting dim; without retreats they fade quickly. It is a maternal mouthbrooder, with females holding the brood for three to four weeks, though spawning in captivity is uncommon. Easily confused with P. brieni. A settled group glows with neon lines.
Please Note
The livestock that is sold on our online site is not held in store at our Birchwood Aquatic Centre shop. Species sold at the Birchwood Aquatic Centre physical store may differ from ones available to order to your door.
Frequently Asked Questions
In insulated boxes designed for live transport, packed by aquatic specialists,
overnight with a licensed live-animal courier, arriving before 1pm.
It is covered by our Live Arrival Guarantee.
Photograph it within 4 hours of delivery, email info@birchwoodaquaticcentre.co.uk with your order number, and the refund is processed automatically. The cover continues for 7 days after arrival.
Wednesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday. You pick your day at checkout; please choose a day someone is home.
Yes. One basket, one checkout; the fish arrive with the specialist courier and the rest of your order ships as normal.
We can deliver to UK mainland only for live fish.
Follow the five-minute acclimatisation steps in our When Your Fish Arrive guide: float the bags, add tank water gradually, net the fish in, lights low, feed tomorrow.