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.
Regan's Julie At a Glance
Regan's Julie Tank Requirements
Will Regan's Julie fit in your tank?
Care guides tell you what Regan's Julie needs, the next question is whether your tank can safely provide it. Test Regan's Julie against your tank size, maintenance needs, and the fish you already keep before you buy.
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Regan's Julie Water Parameters
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Regan's Julie Temperament & Compatibility
Regan's Julie Varieties
Each variety inherits the species defaults above. Only differences are highlighted.
Standard / Adult
Adult Regan's Julie. Both sexes look virtually identical. Best kept as a single specimen or a confirmed breeding pair. If keeping multiple unbonded individuals, severe conspecific aggression is almost guaranteed unless the tank is exceptionally large (400L+) with distinctly separated rock piles.
Differs in 1 trait from base species
Also known as: Wild Type, Kipili, Kerenge, Locality Morph
Regan's Julie Care Guide Summary
The Regan's Julie, scientifically known as Julidochromis regani, belongs to the Cichlids - African family group. Adults reach a maximum size of approximately 13 cm and have a fusiform body shape with a moderate growth rate. Classified as aggressive, this species primarily occupies the bottom and mid-level zones of the aquarium and produces a high level of biological waste.
To thrive, the Regan's Julie requires a freshwater only aquarium with a minimum volume of 110 litres and a tank length of at least 90 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.
Due to its specialist needs, the Regan's Julie is best suited for fishkeepers who can provide a carefully planned setup. The Regan's Julie is typically available in one standard form.
Regan's Julie Habitat Setup
When setting up an aquarium for the Regan'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.
Regan's Julie Compatibility Notes
Classified as aggressive, the Regan's Julie is adaptable and can be kept singly or in a small group, offering flexibility when planning a community tank. When choosing tankmates, 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.
Regan's Julie Recommended Tank Sizes
Standard aquarium sizes that meet the minimum volume and length requirements for Regan's Julie.
30 Gallon Breeder
40 Gallon Breeder
55 Gallon Standard
60 Gallon Breeder
75 Gallon Standard
90 Gallon Standard
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Frequently Asked Questions About Regan's Julie
How big does Regan's Julie get?
Regan's Julie (Julidochromis regani) typically reaches a maximum adult size of approximately 13 cm. They have a fusiform body shape and a moderate growth rate.
What tank size does Regan's Julie need?
A minimum aquarium volume of 110 litres and a tank length of at least 90 cm are recommended for Regan's Julie. This ensures enough swimming space and helps maintain stable water conditions.
What water parameters does Regan's Julie need?
Regan'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 Regan's Julie peaceful or aggressive?
Regan's Julie is classified as aggressive with an aggression score of 7 out of 10. Careful tankmate selection is essential to avoid conflict.
Can Regan's Julie live alone?
Yes, Regan's Julie can be kept singly or in a group. They are flexible and adapt well to both setups.
Does Regan's Julie have any special tank requirements?
Yes. Regan'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 Regan's Julie
These plants pair well with Regan'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 Regan's Julie
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.
Dickfeld's Julie
Julidochromis dickfeldi
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.
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.
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.
Lemon Cichlid (Leleupi)
Neolamprologus leleupi
A striking, torpedo-shaped cichlid endemic to the rocky shores of Lake Tanganyika. Famous for its intense yellow or orange coloration. They are highly territorial cave-dwellers that require hard, alkaline water. Due to their aggression toward their own kind, they are best kept as a solitary specimen or a confirmed breeding pair.
Chisumulu Pearl Cichlid
Labidochromis chisumulae
An endemic Mbuna from Chisumulu Island in Lake Malawi. It is considered one of the 'dwarf' and relatively peaceful Mbuna species, closely related to the popular Yellow Lab. They are rock-dwellers that require hard, alkaline water, plenty of rock caves, and a sandy substrate for digging.