| Scientific Name: Cyprichromis leptosoma (Utinta) |
| Pronunciation: s
|
| Common Name(s): Malasa Leptosoma, Neonback, Utinta Fluorescent |
| Geo. Origin: From Utinta to Samazi |
| 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: |
Yellow-tailed male Yellow-tailed male Yellow-tailed male Male with 2 ocelli Yellow-tailed male Yellow-tailed male Blue-tailed male Yellow-tailed male Egg drop! Holding female |
Photo Credit: Steve C |
Articles: | Cyprichromis Cyprichromis leptosoma |
Comments: |
The most common of the leptosoma kept in the hobby, the Neonback has become a staple Tanganyikan aquarium fish. It has the largest distribution in the wild, from Utinta Bay to Samazi, Tanzania. This includes many collecting spots: Utinta Bay, Ulwile, Kapemba, Nkondwe, Namansi Reef, Fulwe Rocks, and Samazi. 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: Blue-tailed males are solid blue except for the tips of their ventral fins which have the characteristic light-yellow blotch. Some blue-tailed males may sport a single dark blue ocellus at the posterior tip of the dorsal fin. Yellow-tailed males have a blue body, light-blue anal fin and a blue dorsal fin. The signature mark of the yellow-tailed male is a bold yellow ocellus at the posterior tip of the dorsal fin. Some males may even have two ocelli, one yellow and the second dark blue. |