Un peu plus d'informations...

Neolamprologus brichardi, also known as the Burundi Princess, is an emblematic cichlid from Lake Tanganyika. Its slender body, finely extended fins, and silvery white tones give it an elegant appearance, but its main appeal lies in its social organization. In aquariums, it forms pairs and family groups that defend a rocky territory and cooperate in raising young fish. This species remains common in the aquarium trade, while still requiring a suitable layout, alkaline water, and careful management of territorial aggression.

General description of the species

Neolamprologus brichardi is a small African cichlid belonging to the lamprologine group of Lake Tanganyika. It lives around rocky areas, where it uses cracks and small cavities for shelter. Its most remarkable behavior is communal breeding: a breeding pair may be surrounded by young from several generations, while older individuals may help monitor the territory and protect fry. This organization explains the common name Burundi Princess, which is also linked to the fish’s delicate appearance. Despite its modest size, the species becomes highly territorial during spawning. It is best suited to a spacious biotope aquarium furnished with many stable rocks, visual barriers, and hard, alkaline water. A naturally formed group is generally more harmonious than a simple combination of separately selected adults.

Geographic origin and biotope

Neolamprologus brichardi comes from Lake Tanganyika in East Africa, mainly from the northern part of the lake. Its natural range includes Burundi, and the species is also associated with the shores of Tanzania and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. It frequents rocky shorelines, where rocks, boulder fields, and crevices provide shelter for adults, spawning sites, and juveniles. The water is generally clear, highly mineralized, and alkaline. Water movement varies with shoreline exposure, but this is not a fish from a muddy or heavily vegetated river. In an aquarium, the layout should therefore emphasize rocks forming caves and passages rather than dense planting. The substrate may be sandy or made of fine gravel, with enough open space for movement and territorial defense.

Precise location and local name

In the wild, Neolamprologus brichardi is mainly reported from the rocky shores of northern Lake Tanganyika, especially in the Burundian region and nearby coastal areas. Populations may show local differences in color and shape, so the geographic origin should be retained when fish are purchased or bred. The common name Burundi Princess refers to its historical association with Burundi and its delicate appearance, emphasized by long, pale fins. The English name Princess cichlid is also widely used in the aquarium trade. This is not a river fish: its natural habitat is lacustrine, rocky, and governed by the special water parameters of Tanganyika. In captivity, knowing the stated locality helps prevent unnecessary mixing of populations and supports the maintenance of an identifiable line.

Appearance and physical characteristics

The body of Neolamprologus brichardi is elongated and laterally compressed, with a relatively slender head and a terminal mouth suited to capturing small prey. The overall color ranges from silvery white to light beige, often with bluish or yellowish tones depending on lighting, mood, and population. The dorsal, anal, and caudal fins extend into filaments that emphasize its elegant profile. A dark or bluish edge may highlight some fins. Adults generally reach close to 10 cm, with males often larger or more robust than females. Juveniles are more difficult to sex because sexual dimorphism remains subtle outside the breeding period. The body shape, flowing fins, and social colony life are among its most recognizable traits.

General diet

In Lake Tanganyika, Neolamprologus brichardi searches for small prey among rocks and crevices. Its diet includes small aquatic invertebrates, larvae, tiny crustaceans, and other prey found on the substrate or in the water column. In aquariums, a varied small-sized diet is suitable: quality pellets for African cichlids, frozen foods such as brine shrimp or daphnia, and occasionally small live foods from a safe cultured source. Meals should remain moderate to prevent pollution and excessive weight gain. It is better to offer small portions once or twice daily than to overfeed a colony. A mainly carnivorous diet is appropriate, but variety remains important for growth, coloration, and the condition of breeding fish. Very fatty foods and large pieces should be avoided.

Essential data

• River of origin: Lake Tanganyika; the species is lacustrine.
• Local name used: Burundi Princess.
• Origin of the scientific name: The name was assigned by Max Poll and refers to the genus Lamprologus and Pierre Brichard.
• Etymology of the full name: Neolamprologus means new Lamprologus; Lamprologus comes from the Greek lampros, bright, and logos, word or discourse. brichardi is the Latinized form of Brichard.
• Common/vernacular names: Burundi Princess, Princess cichlid.
• Family: Cichlidae.
• Subfamily: Pseudocrenilabrinae.
• Pronunciation of the name: nee-oh-lam-pro-lo-gus - bri-char-dee
• Discovery: Max Fernand Léon Poll, 1974.
• Maximum adult size: About 10 cm.
• Water temperature and pH: 24 to 27 °C; pH 7.8 to 9.0.
• Waterbody appearance and surrounding vegetation: Clear, rocky lake shoreline, with little aquatic vegetation in occupied areas.
• Typical tankmates: Neolamprologus cylindricus, Neolamprologus leleupi, Synodontis petricola, Cyprichromis leptosoma, Ophtalmotilapia ventralis, Altolamprologus calvus.
• Temperament and behavior: Territorial, social, and protective; communal breeding with collective defense of young.
• Water depth: Approximately 3 to 15 m in rocky shoreline habitats.
• Sexual dimorphism: Males are often larger and more robust; juveniles are difficult to sex.
• Bottom structure and flow: Rocks, boulder fields, and sand between stones; low to moderate water movement depending on the shoreline.

In your aquarium

Success with Neolamprologus brichardi depends on stable, alkaline water, effective filtration, and a rocky layout offering plenty of hiding places. Visual boundaries should be provided to reduce conflict, and the appearance of a breeding pair should be monitored. A balanced colony can be fascinating to observe, but young adults need enough room to avoid excessive pressure. A varied diet, regular water changes, and tankmates from the same type of biotope complete the maintenance plan. Social stability matters just as much as water quality when keeping a Burundi Princess in good condition.