Brevis Sun Spot 4cm

Brevis Sun Spot
 

The Neolamprologus Brevis or sunspot brevis cichlid is an incredibly popular dwarf African shell-dwelling species. These nano cichlids have quickly risen in popularity for their small size, feisty but personable behaviour, and most importantly how much they revolve their lives around shells. sunspot brevis cichlids fish are also relatively easy to care which makes them a fantastic species for newbie aquarists to expand their skills into keeping some more unique fish. 

Sunspot brevis cichlids typically reach lengths of only 3-4 cm, with females often slightly smaller than males. Their small size, however, doesn't mean they lack in aesthetics or personality. The body colour of this fish is a mix of light sandy shades with darker colours near the back and lighter colours near the belly. Through the body, there are also flecks of iridescent white scales that run into the fins as well through the form of stripes. The most contrasting factor on the sunspot brevis cichlid is a unique lavender purple sheen on the body and a bold, curved stripe under the eye.  

Breeding these fish is almost as easy as breeding guppies, as long as there is a group of fish kept with a supply of shells then these fish are bound to breed. One of the best things is that shell dwellers are fantastic parents, the female will lay eggs inside a shell which the parents then guard until the fry reaches a free-swimming stage. They also maintain the population of the colony really well only breeding if there is enough space and resources.

Tank Recommendations for your Brevis Sun Spot 

As the sunspot brevis cichlid only reaches around 4 cm, an adult pair of these fish can easily be kept in a tank of around 40 litres. A large colony will however thrive in larger aquariums however they really do spend their time near the bottom of the aquarium so it is best to have an aquarium with a larger footprint. An aquarium set up for sunspot brevis cichlids is incredibly simple, all the tank really needs is a sand layer with at least 4 - 5 escargot shells per fish. Having a deeper substrate layer is actually somewhat recommended for these fish because of how well they move it around. These are also tropical fish that are best kept at 24-26 degrees with a pH of 7.0 - 8.5

Suitable Tank Buddies

The sunspot brevis cichlid can be kept with a range of other smaller and relatively peaceful African cichlids. Since these fish require a higher PH of around 8 the tank mates chosen should be adaptable to this.

Usually Compatible

Smaller African cichlids such as black calvus, furcifer cichlids and julidochromis.

Sometimes Compatible

Frontosa, smaller Mbuna species, and other larger but somewhat peaceful African cichlids like Mdoka whitelips. 

Rarely Compatible

Aggressive African cichlid species like fuscodichromis and polystigma. 

Feeding your Brevis Sun Spot 

The Sunspot brevis cichlid 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 good quality, small, and slow-sinking 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 yellowfin and stripes on this fish.