Cynotilapia Pulpican 5cm

Cynotilapia Pulpican

The Cynotilapia Pulpican, often known as the Kingsizei cichlid, is an incredibly vibrant and active species that adds colour and interest to any African cichlid aquarium. This is one of the smaller African cichlids and is classed as a Mbuna which tends to be more bottom-dwelling cichlids, their striking colours, interesting behaviour, and manageable size make them a popular choice for aquarists with a passion for African species. They will also thrive in a mixed African display system but will also look stunning in a large species-only colony.
The Cynotilapia Pulpican typically grows to a length of about 8-10 cm. Just like other Mbuna, this species has a robust, rounder, more compact body shape compared to other cichlids. The colours these fish have are especially contrasting with a bright blue body colour and jet black stripes. The tones of blue truly stunning with the lighter blues being towards the upper half of the body whereas the common half has a much darker hue. The black stripes also vary in boldness based on mood and dominance which causes a dynamic-looking fish. Compared to other Mbuna and especially captive bred strains the Cynotilapia Pulpican has much fewer egg spots on the ventral fin however these are a bright yellow and stand out incredibly well.

Breeding the Cynotilapia Pulpican cichlid is a relatively hands free process in the home aquarium. They are maternal mouthbrooders, meaning the females carry the fertilised eggs and eventually the fry in their mouths to protect them. Males tend to be much more vibrant than females and will also develop a pronounced nuchal hump, the black barring will be bolder than females as well.

Tank Recommendations for your Cynotilapia Pulpican
The pulpican cichlids will reach around 10 cm in length and can be quite territorial. However, They are also fish found in colonies out in the wild, so the ideal aquarium size to keep a group of 6 or more fish would be around 300 litres. Having an aquarium with a larger footprint instead of height will also be beneficial as this ensures enough usable space for these mostly bottom-dwelling fish.

Giving these fish a sandy substrate with an abundance of rock caves will ensure that they can establish territories and not display too much aggression toward one another. They also sift through the substrate in search of food, which is why a soft, sandy substrate would be ideal. Having

a Ph of 7.5-8.5 with a temperature of 24 - 26 degrees will be ideal.

Suitable Tank Buddies
Cynotilapia Pulpican cichlids are generally peaceful but territorial fish. Their aggression is mostly directed towards the lower portions of the aquarium since these fish spend most of their time in the lower half of the tank. They can however be kept in a mixed species system with larger African cichlids.

Usually Compatible
Large Malawi cichlids, star sapphire cichlids, Mdoka white lips, and other large and mostly top to mid-water cichlids.

Sometimes Compatible
Frontosa, Mbuna species, and mid to bottom-dwelling cichlids might result in aggressive behaviour and territorial disputes.

Rarely Compatible
Aggressive African cichlid species like fuscodichromis and smaller species such as shell dwellers or Julidochromis.

Feeding your Cynotilapia Pulpican
Cynotilapia Pulpican cichlids will take to aquarium foods very easily. They will take a wide range of pellets, flakes, and frozen foods. By giving them a varied diet, it ensures that they have optimal nutrition. The ideal diet would be a good quality, small, and slow food, supplemented with green matter like algae flakes or sheets. Feeding any foods with natural colour enhancers would also be great as this will really enhance the blues in this fish.