Cyprichromis leptosoma (Mpulungu)

	Scientific Name: Cyprichromis leptosoma (Mpulungu)
	Pronunciation: s p-r -kr -m s l p-t -s -m
	Common Name(s): Blue Flash, Blue Neon, Neon Head
	Geo. Origin: From Kasanga to Mpulungu
	Habitat: Open Water
	Diet: Carnivore
	Gender Differences: Dimorphic
	Breeding: Maternal Mouthbrooder
	Temperament: Mildly Aggressive
	Conspecific Temperament: Mildly Aggressive
	Maximum Size: 4.5"
	Temperature: 77 - 79°F
	pH: 8.6
	Water Hardness: Very Hard
	Difficulty: 2

Images:

Yellowtail male - Mpulungu Bluetail male - Chituta Yellowtail male at Isanga Yellowtail male - Mpulungu Yellowtail male - Mpulungu Bluetail male at Isanga Holding female at Isanga Yellowtail male at Isanga Yellowtail male - Mpulungu Yellowtail male - Kambwimba ​

Photo Credit: Kenji Takahasi

Articles:

Cyprichromis Cyprichromis leptosoma

Comments:

Certainly one of the more popular Cyps in the hobby, this geographical variant is known by several nicknames: Blue Flash, Blue Neon, and Neon Head. The Blue Flash is the holotype for the species Cyprichromis leptosoma. It is found at the southern most end of the lake, from Kasanga, Tanzania to Mpulungu, Zambia. Specimens are collected at several locations, including Kasanga, Kambwimba, Isanga, Chituta Bay, and Mpulungu. Like all Cyprichromis leptosoma, it is found in 2 distinct color morphs: blue-tailed males and yellow-tailed males. It differs from the other 4 leptosoma in the following manner: Males are not as blue-bodied, but are primarily grayish-brown with a strong blue highlight on the head (hence the name Neonhead). Blue-tailed males have a light-blue anal and dorsal fins. The dorsal fin is speckled throughout with small, dark spots. Yellow-tailed males have a blue dorsal fin with a black band running along its base. The anal fin is also blue and may or may not be streaked with black markings.