{"product_id":"opthalmotilapia-boops-neon-stripe-nkondwe","title":"Opthalmotilapia boops Neon Stripe Nkondwe 4","description":"\u003ch2\u003eOverview\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eOpthalmotilapia boops\u003c\/strong\u003e ‘Neon Stripe Nkondwe’ is a beautifully patterned Tanganyikan cichlid prized for its shimmering body tone, elegant profile and the vivid neon-like striping that develops as it matures. Offered at \u003cstrong\u003e4-5 cm\u003c\/strong\u003e, these juveniles are an excellent choice for aquarists looking to grow out a genuinely distinctive Lake Tanganyika species and enjoy the transformation into a superb adult display fish.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis is a species for hobbyists who appreciate natural behaviour, clear water and a carefully planned cichlid setup. In the right aquarium, \u003cem\u003eO. boops\u003c\/em\u003e becomes active, inquisitive and highly rewarding to keep. Males can develop impressive finnage and display colour, while females remain attractive in a more understated way. As with many Tanganyikan cichlids, success comes from stable water conditions, plenty of space and a thoughtful stock list.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eAt Tropical Fish Co, we supply healthy livestock with a \u003cstrong\u003elive arrival guarantee\u003c\/strong\u003e and \u003cstrong\u003efast UK delivery\u003c\/strong\u003e, so your fish arrive in the best possible condition for acclimation.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eCare at a Glance\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003ctable\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eAttribute\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003cth\u003eDetails\u003c\/th\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eScientific name\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e\n\u003cem\u003eOpthalmotilapia boops\u003c\/em\u003e ‘Neon Stripe Nkondwe’\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCommon name\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eNeon Stripe Nkondwe Tanganyikan cichlid\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eAdult size\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eApprox. 12-15 cm\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTemperament\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003ePeaceful to semi-aggressive\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eCare level\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eModerate\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMinimum tank size\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e250 litres+\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTemperature\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e24-27°C\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003epH\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003e8.0-9.0\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eDiet\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eOmnivore with a strong herbivorous component\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003ctr\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eTank region\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003ctd\u003eMiddle to upper levels\u003c\/td\u003e\n\u003c\/tr\u003e\n\u003c\/table\u003e\u003ch2\u003eOrigin \u0026amp; Natural Habitat\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eOpthalmotilapia boops\u003c\/em\u003e is native to \u003cstrong\u003eLake Tanganyika\u003c\/strong\u003e, one of the world’s oldest and most biologically diverse lakes. The Nkondwe locality form is associated with the lake’s rocky shoreline habitats, where clear, highly mineralised water and strong natural structure shape the fish’s behaviour and appearance. In the wild, these cichlids inhabit areas with rocks, scattered boulders and open water nearby, using the structure for shelter, display and breeding.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eLake Tanganyika water is famously alkaline, hard and exceptionally stable. These conditions are central to the long-term health of this species. Like many Tanganyikan cichlids, \u003cem\u003eO. boops\u003c\/em\u003e is adapted to bright, oxygen-rich water and benefits from excellent filtration and regular maintenance in captivity. The neon stripe locality form is especially sought after for its refined patterning and elegant adult presentation.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eTank Setup \u0026amp; Water Parameters\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eFor best results, house \u003cem\u003eOpthalmotilapia boops\u003c\/em\u003e in a spacious aquarium with plenty of swimming room and carefully arranged rockwork. A tank of \u003cstrong\u003e250 litres or more\u003c\/strong\u003e is recommended for a small group, with larger aquariums preferred if keeping with other Tanganyikan species. Use a fine sand substrate and build stable rock formations to create territories and visual barriers without overcrowding the open water space.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eStrong filtration is important, as these fish appreciate pristine water and high oxygen levels. Aim for moderate to strong water movement and keep the aquarium well aerated. A secure lid is sensible, as active cichlids may jump when startled. Lighting can be bright to showcase the fish’s metallic sheen and natural colours, though some shaded areas and rock crevices should always be available.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRecommended parameters:\u003c\/strong\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eTemperature:\u003c\/strong\u003e 24-27°C\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003epH:\u003c\/strong\u003e 8.0-9.0\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eWater hardness:\u003c\/strong\u003e Hard to very hard\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eAmmonia\/Nitrite:\u003c\/strong\u003e 0\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003e\n\u003cstrong\u003eNitrate:\u003c\/strong\u003e Kept as low as possible through regular water changes\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\u003cp\u003eBecause this species is sensitive to poor water quality, routine maintenance is essential. Weekly partial water changes, gravel cleaning where appropriate and consistent filtration will help maintain long-term health and colour. When introducing new fish, acclimate slowly to avoid shock from differences in pH, temperature and mineral content.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eFeeding Guide\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003e\u003cem\u003eO. boops\u003c\/em\u003e is best described as an omnivore with a strong preference for plant-based foods and small invertebrates. In the aquarium, offer a varied diet built around high-quality cichlid pellets or granules with spirulina or vegetable content. Supplement with blanched greens, algae-based foods and occasional protein-rich treats such as frozen daphnia, brine shrimp or mysis.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eFeed small portions once or twice daily, only what the fish will consume quickly. Overfeeding can lead to poor water quality and digestive issues, especially in Tanganyikan cichlids that thrive on a clean, balanced diet. Avoid heavy use of fatty foods and do not rely on mammalian proteins or unsuitable flake foods as the main diet. A varied, fibre-rich feeding regime will support colour, vitality and breeding condition.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eTank Mates \/ Compatibility\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eThis species is generally peaceful for a Tanganyikan cichlid, but males can become territorial, particularly when mature or breeding. The best tank mates are other Lake Tanganyika species with similar water requirements and compatible temperament. Keep the aquarium spacious and avoid overcrowding, as this reduces stress and allows natural behaviour to develop.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eGood companions may include shell dwellers in larger setups, peaceful Tanganyikan rock dwellers, robust synodontis catfish and other non-overly aggressive cichlids of comparable size. Avoid highly aggressive mbuna, fin-nippers, boisterous community fish that prefer softer acidic water, and very small species that may be intimidated or outcompeted at feeding time.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eWhen keeping multiple cichlid species together, ensure there are enough territories, line-of-sight breaks and feeding stations. A well-structured Tanganyikan aquarium can be both visually stunning and behaviourally fascinating, but compatibility should always be planned around adult size and temperament rather than juvenile appearance.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003ch2\u003eWhy Buy from Tropical Fish Co\u003c\/h2\u003e\u003cp\u003eAt Tropical Fish Co, we specialise in quality aquatic livestock and careful packing for safe transit. Your \u003cem\u003eOpthalmotilapia boops\u003c\/em\u003e ‘Neon Stripe Nkondwe’ will be selected with care and dispatched using our \u003cstrong\u003efast UK delivery\u003c\/strong\u003e service, helping reduce stress and get your new fish settled sooner. We also offer a \u003cstrong\u003elive arrival guarantee\u003c\/strong\u003e for peace of mind when ordering online.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eWe understand that rare and locality-specific cichlids deserve accurate information and proper support. That is why we focus on healthy stock, clear care guidance and reliable service from order to arrival. If you are building a Tanganyikan display tank and want a species with elegance, personality and genuine collector appeal, this is a superb choice.\u003c\/p\u003e\u003cp\u003eWith the right setup, \u003cem\u003eOpthalmotilapia boops\u003c\/em\u003e ‘Neon Stripe Nkondwe’ can become a standout fish in your aquarium for years to come, rewarding you with natural behaviour, refined colour and a truly distinctive presence.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Tropical Fish Co","offers":[{"title":"4-5 cm","offer_id":57446786433359,"sku":"JP90","price":50.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"7-9 cm","offer_id":57451352686927,"sku":"JP92","price":53.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true},{"title":"3-4 cm","offer_id":57560336335183,"sku":"JP89","price":41.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"5-7 cm","offer_id":57560336367951,"sku":"JP91","price":52.99,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/1007\/1408\/6735\/files\/opthalmotilapia-boops-neon-stripe-n-natural-aquarium-jp90.webp?v=1777850642","url":"https:\/\/tropical-fish-co.myshopify.com\/products\/opthalmotilapia-boops-neon-stripe-nkondwe","provider":"Tropical Fish Co","version":"1.0","type":"link"}