An elongated, distinctively patterned cichlid endemic to the rocky shores of Lake Tanganyika. Dickfeld's Julie is known for its beautiful blue/purple iridescence along its fins and horizontal stripes. They are highly rock-dwelling and fiercely defend their chosen caves. While relatively peaceful toward unrelated species that occupy different water layers, they are highly aggressive toward conspecifics once a pair is formed.
Dickfeld's Julie At a Glance
Dickfeld's Julie Tank Requirements
Will Dickfeld's Julie fit in your tank?
Care guides tell you what Dickfeld's Julie needs, the next question is whether your tank can safely provide it. Test Dickfeld's Julie against your tank size, maintenance needs, and the fish you already keep before you buy.
Useful setup supplies
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Dickfeld's Julie Water Parameters
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Dickfeld's Julie Temperament & Compatibility
Dickfeld's Julie Varieties
Each variety inherits the species defaults above. Only differences are highlighted.
Standard
The standard form found in the aquarium trade. As they are nearly impossible to visually sex, hobbyists typically buy groups of 4-6 juveniles, wait for a pair to bond, and then rehome the remaining fish to prevent lethal territorial disputes.
Same care requirements as the base species
Also known as: Wild Type
Dickfeld's Julie Care Guide Summary
The Dickfeld's Julie, scientifically known as Julidochromis dickfeldi, belongs to the Cichlids - African family group. Adults reach a maximum size of approximately 11 cm and have a fusiform body shape with a moderate growth rate. Classified as semi-aggressive, this species primarily occupies the bottom and mid-level zones of the aquarium and produces a medium level of biological waste.
To thrive, the Dickfeld's Julie requires a freshwater only aquarium with a minimum volume of 75 litres and a tank length of at least 75 cm. Water temperature should be maintained between 23°C and 27°C, with a pH range of 8–9 and a general hardness of 10–25 dGH. A moderate water flow is preferred.
The Dickfeld's Julie is a rewarding species to keep, provided its core environmental needs are met. The Dickfeld's Julie is typically available in one standard form.
Dickfeld's Julie Habitat Setup
When setting up an aquarium for the Dickfeld's Julie, a moderate water flow best suits their natural preferences. Because this species occupies the bottom and mid-level zones, the aquarium layout should prioritise open swimming space in the centre of the tank for free movement and sufficient floor space with hiding spots among rocks, wood, or dense planting. Useful additions include a sand substrate to accommodate their sifting behaviour. Keepers should note that expect substrate disturbance, so lightweight décor should be secured.
Dickfeld's Julie Compatibility Notes
Classified as semi-aggressive, the Dickfeld's Julie is adaptable and can be kept singly or in a small group, offering flexibility when planning a community tank. When choosing tankmates, ornamental shrimp are not safe companions, conspecific aggression can be intense, especially in smaller tanks, and territorial behaviour may cause issues if hiding spots or floor space are limited. Selecting tankmates that favour different water layers from the bottom and mid-level zones can help reduce competition and territorial overlap.
Dickfeld's Julie Recommended Tank Sizes
Standard aquarium sizes that meet the minimum volume and length requirements for Dickfeld's Julie.
20 Gallon Long
29 Gallon Standard
30 Gallon Breeder
36 Gallon Bowfront
40 Gallon Breeder
55 Gallon Standard
Show 15 more tank sizes
Dickfeld's Julie Feeding & Diet Considerations
The Dickfeld's Julie will hunt and eat ornamental shrimp, making it unsuitable for shrimp-focused setups and will eat fry, so breeding efforts in the same tank are unlikely to succeed.
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Frequently Asked Questions About Dickfeld's Julie
How big does Dickfeld's Julie get?
Dickfeld's Julie (Julidochromis dickfeldi) typically reaches a maximum adult size of approximately 11 cm. They have a fusiform body shape and a moderate growth rate.
What tank size does Dickfeld's Julie need?
A minimum aquarium volume of 75 litres and a tank length of at least 75 cm are recommended for Dickfeld's Julie. This ensures enough swimming space and helps maintain stable water conditions.
What water parameters does Dickfeld's Julie need?
Dickfeld's Julie thrives in freshwater only conditions with a temperature range of 23–27°C, a pH between 8 and 9, and a general hardness of 10–25 dGH. A moderate water flow is preferred.
Is Dickfeld's Julie peaceful or aggressive?
Dickfeld's Julie is classified as semi-aggressive with an aggression score of 6 out of 10. They can work in community setups but may clash with certain tankmates.
Can Dickfeld's Julie live alone?
Yes, Dickfeld's Julie can be kept singly or in a group. They are flexible and adapt well to both setups.
Is Dickfeld's Julie safe with shrimp?
No. Dickfeld's Julie is known to eat ornamental shrimp and is not recommended for shrimp tanks. Even larger shrimp species like Amano Shrimp may be at risk.
Does Dickfeld's Julie have any special tank requirements?
Yes. Dickfeld's Julie benefits from sand (sifters) in the aquarium. These features help replicate their natural habitat and promote overall health and well-being.
Plants That Suit Dickfeld's Julie
These plants pair well with Dickfeld's Julie based on shared water preferences, layout fit, and how likely they are to hold up in the same aquarium.
Afzel's Anubias
Anubias afzelii
Anubias Barteri
Anubias barteri
Congo Anubias
Anubias heterophylla
Gillet's Anubias
Anubias gilletii
Java Fern
Leptochilus pteropus
Java Moss
Taxiphyllum barbieri
Fish Similar to Dickfeld's Julie
Marlier's Julie
Julidochromis marlieri
A strikingly patterned cichlid endemic to the rocky shores of Lake Tanganyika in Africa. They feature a torpedo-shaped body covered in a grid-like pattern of black and white/yellow spots. They are highly territorial cave-spawners that form strong, monogamous pairs. They strictly require hard, alkaline water and an aquarium decorated with extensive rockwork to form secure caves.
Regan's Julie
Julidochromis regani
A slender, rock-dwelling cichlid endemic to the shallow, rocky shorelines of Lake Tanganyika. Known for their distinct horizontal stripes and torpedo-like bodies, they are highly territorial over rock crevices. They form strong, monogamous pair bonds but are notoriously aggressive toward conspecifics (other Julies) and benthic competitors.
Golden Julie
Julidochromis ornatus
A small, striking rock-dwelling cichlid endemic to Lake Tanganyika. They feature a bright yellow body adorned with dark, distinct horizontal stripes. They are crevice spawners that form strong monogamous pairs. While they mind their own business regarding mid-water schooling fish, they are fiercely territorial over their rock piles, especially towards other Julidochromis or similar rock-dwellers.
Masked Julie (Julidochromis)
Julidochromis transcriptus
The Masked Julie is the smallest species in the Julidochromis genus, endemic to the rocky shorelines of Lake Tanganyika. They are torpedo-shaped, crevice-dwelling cichlids with striking black and white checkerboard patterns. While generally peaceful toward other species that occupy different water columns, they are highly territorial and violently aggressive toward their own kind once a monogamous breeding pair is established.
Duboisi Cichlid (Tropheus)
Tropheus duboisi
An iconic Lake Tanganyika cichlid famous for its dramatic life-stage color change. Juveniles are jet black with brilliant white polka-dots, while adults develop a blue head and a distinctive yellow or white vertical band across a dark body. They are highly aggressive toward their own kind and must be kept in large colonies (10+) to disperse aggression. They are strict herbivores that require a specialized diet to avoid fatal digestive issues.
Featherfin Cichlid
Cyathopharynx furcifer
A spectacular Lake Tanganyika cichlid known for its dramatic sexual dimorphism. Males display brilliant metallic hues (blues, greens, or coppers depending on collection point) and possess sweeping, elongated pelvic 'feather' fins. Males build enormous crater-like sand bowers to attract females. Because of this bower-building behavior and their high activity level, footprint (length and width) is far more critical than tank height.