
Source: Wikimedia Commons
Julidochromis transcriptus
The smallest Julidochromis, marked with a black lattice over white. It swims flat against rock and holds a narrow territory in pairs, occurring only on a short stretch of shore in the DR Congo.
Julidochromis transcriptus is a small cichlid restricted to a short stretch of the northwestern shore of Lake Tanganyika between Luhanga and Makabola. FishBase records a maximum of 7cm TL and Seriously Fish gives 6.5cm SL, making it among the smallest of its genus. Black bands run vertically and horizontally over a white to pale yellow ground, forming a lattice. It swims held close to rock and defends crevices and caves alone or in pairs, feeding on microorganisms growing on the rock. FishBase suggests keeping it in pairs with a minimum aquarium length of 60cm at pH 8.5-9.2, 8-14 dGH and 22-25C, a notably high pH even for Lake Tanganyika. The IUCN assesses it as Critically Endangered, reflecting its very small range.
Source: Wikipedia (CC BY-SA 4.0)
The Masked Julie lives 8-12 years.
The Masked Julie grows to 6-7cm.
The ideal temperature for the Masked Julie is 22〜25℃.
Origin
Northwestern shore of Lake Tanganyika between Luhanga and Makabola, DR Congo
Lifespan
8-12 years
Size
6-7cm
Sources: FishBase / Seriously Fish
Edited & verified by: BreederDirect editorial team
The taxonomic, regulatory, and husbandry data on this page are compiled and verified against the authoritative primary sources below.
Accepted name: Julidochromis transcriptus Matthes, 1959
Authority databases: FishBase
Nomenclature follows global taxonomic authority databases.
Sources: CITES Appendices (species not listed) / FishBase (IUCN assessment: CR)
Regulations may change. Always verify the latest information with the relevant authorities.
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Temperature
22〜25℃
Mainly frozen and live foods, plus fine-grade prepared foods
FishBase gives a minimum aquarium length of 60cm. Stack rock to create many crevices and caves.
22-25C, pH 8.5-9.2, 8-14 dGH. It wants a high pH even by Lake Tanganyika standards.
Not a community fish. Keep it as a pair and combine it with Tanganyikan species that use other levels.
It feeds on microorganisms from rock, so offer small amounts of fine frozen and live foods.
A substrate spawner using crevices and caves, with the pair holding the same territory over a long period.
The wild population is assessed as Critically Endangered. Territorial disputes are frequent, so provide plenty of rock structure.
Intermediate. This is an intermediate-level species. Some prior experience and knowledge of environmental management are recommended.
The ideal temperature for Masked Julie is 22〜25℃. Avoid sudden temperature changes and maintain a stable environment.
The average lifespan of Masked Julie is 8-12 years. With proper care and nutrition, they can live a long and healthy life.
Masked Julie typically reaches 6-7cm as an adult. Size may vary depending on care conditions and individual genetics.
Masked Julie feeds on: Mainly frozen and live foods, plus fine-grade prepared foods. Aim for a balanced diet with appropriate feeding frequency.
The price of Masked Julie varies significantly depending on morph, size, and lineage. Check our market price page for the latest pricing information.
Last updated: September 17, 2026