Species profile
Julidochromis Transcriptus
Julidochromis transcriptus
Semi aggressive
Moderate care
100 L minimum aquarium
5–7.5 cm adult size
Bottom–mid
Minimum group: 2
About this species
General notes for hobby use.
Provide dense rockwork with multiple narrow caves. Pair aggression can be severe if territories are compressed.
Water parameters
Suggested general range for long-term care.
Temperature
23–28 °C
pH
7.8–9
GH
10–22 dGH
KH
8–18 dKH
Flow preference
Moderate
Data confidence
Verified
Behaviour
General behaviour traits used by TanksConnected compatibility checks.
Minimum group size
Minimum group: 2
Tank zone
Bottom–mid
Territory level
High
Predation risk
Small fry
Bioload factor
1.5
Rock-dwelling pair cichlid. Strongly territorial around crevices once paired; avoid crowding multiple pairs into small footprints.
Compatibility flags
Quick cautions for common tank-planning issues.
Fin nipper
No
Plant safe
Yes
Shrimp safe
No / caution
Snail safe
No / caution
Cave breeder
Yes
Digs substrate
No
Jump risk
Low
Natural history & care
Research-backed context for long-term aquarium care.
Lifespan
5–8 years
Diet type
Omnivore
Minimum aquarium volume
100 L
Minimum footprint
75 × 35 cm
Accepted scientific name
Julidochromis transcriptus
Alternative names
Masked Julie, Transcriptus Julie
Native range
Lake Tanganyika; rocky littoral habitats.
Natural habitat
Rocky shore and rubble zones with narrow crevices, hard alkaline water and good oxygenation.
Diet & feeding
Small crustaceans and aquatic invertebrates; use quality cichlid foods with frozen/live invertebrate foods.
Breeding & sexing
Research-backed guidance for identifying sexes and reproductive behaviour.
Sexing
Sexes are difficult to distinguish externally; mature females may be fuller-bodied and genital papillae are more reliable during breeding.
Breeding
Substrate/crevice spawner. A pair deposits adhesive eggs in a cave or rock fissure and both parents guard eggs and fry.