Scientific Name(s): Julidochromis transcriptus

Common Name(s): Masked Julie

Family: Cichlidae

Species Type: African Cichlids, Lake Tanganyika

Maximum Size: 3 inches

Life Span: 8 years

Natural Habitat: East African Lake Tanganyika

Minimum Tank Size: 40 gallons

Tank Region: This species likes to stay near caves so the middle to bottom region of the tank is preferred.

Possible Tank Mates: Best left to a species only tank.

Breeding Information: Cave spawners, the already reclusive julies may seem to disappear altogether when guarding a clutch of eggs. Relatively small groups of fry are coupled with fairly consistent spawns; the older fry often help raise and protect their younger siblings, creating a colony feel to the tank. As adolescents, however, they may be kicked out by their parents and must be removed if the tank is too small to contain the entire family.

Sexing Information: Females are often larger than males and often plumped with eggs. In adults, venting may reveal the longer genital papillae of females, but the species is basically monomorphic.

Diet: Carnivorous - does well with flake food suppliments with frozen foods such as krill or brine shrimp.

Temperment: Reclusive, aggressive, and territorial

Common Diseases: None specific to species