Marliers Julie (Julidochromis marlieri)

The Marlieri Julie, Julidochromis marlieri, is an excellent choice for both the beginner and the advance aquarist. It is reasonably easy to care for as long it has the proper sized aquarium and the suitable tank mates. These Cichlids are somewhat peaceful, making good inhabitants for the community cichlid tank. They can adapt to a wide range of water parameters, eat a wide variety of aquarium foods, and readily breed. However, the aquarium does need regular water changes.

You can keep these Cichlids singly, in a pair, or a group of several couples alongside other Cichlids that are a similar size. They are peaceful towards those of the same species, but will not tolerate adults of their own offspring.

Swimming is the most exciting aspect of the Marlieri Cichlid. Rather shy, they will stay in the rocks near the back of the aquarium, darting out to retrieve food. These Cichlids move persistently up, down, and around their habitat, turning sideways between rocks or even dangling upside down under rocks.

The Marlieri Cichlid has a torpedo-shaped body with an extending dorsal fin and a fan-shaped caudal fin. Their mouth is slightly downward pointing for eating. These fish have a pleasant contrast of colour. They have a yellow or whitish background and display a checkered type pattern created by three horizontal rows of white to golden spots.

They also possess beautiful blue highlights surrounding the body. The Marlieri Cichlid is the only individual with a stripe under the eye. The fins are virtually always edged with a thin light stripe and a thin black stripe outside.

There are several slightly different colour pattern and size variations of the Marlieri Cichlid depending on the region where they are found; still, they are all lovely.

Photos

Natural Habitat

Feeding

In the home aquarium, the Marliers Julie will readily accept most good quality dried foods such as granules, flakes and sinking pellets. These modern food products have been developed to provide all adequate nutrition to maintain your fish's health and dietary requirements.

Providing additional foodstuffs such as live, frozen, and freeze-dried meals such as bloodworm, daphnia, and tubifex once or twice a week will provide additional benefits to your fish's health and well-being but is not a must for this fish.

It should be noted that bloodworms should only be given as an occasional treat and should not be used as the staple diet as they are difficult for fish to digest and can potentially cause blockages.

This fish is an omnivore in the wild, meaning it will consume some vegetable matter. Although most modern fish foods take this into account and include them in their products, you can still supplement your fish's diet with blanched vegetables such as spinach, broccoli, and zucchini. Ensure you do not overfeed your fish and remove any leftovers the following day.