Albino Princess Cichlid

About the Albino Princess Cichlid

The Albino Princess Cichlid is a stunning colour variant of the popular Fairy Cichlid, prized for its creamy white to pale yellow body, brilliant red eyes, and elegant flowing fins. A selectively bred form of Neolamprologus brichardi, this beautiful African cichlid combines graceful appearance with fascinating social behaviour, making it a standout species for Lake Tanganyika aquariums.

Native to the rocky shorelines of Lake Tanganyika, the standard Princess Cichlid is famous for living in family colonies, where older offspring help protect and raise younger generations. The Albino variety retains this remarkable behaviour while adding a unique colouration that contrasts beautifully against dark rockwork.

Albino Princess Cichlids thrive in aquariums with stacked rocks, caves, and open swimming areas. They form strong breeding pairs and can become territorial when guarding eggs or fry. They are best kept with other Tanganyikan cichlids of similar temperament and require hard, alkaline water to remain healthy.

A varied diet of premium cichlid pellets, frozen mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, and other protein-rich foods will help maintain their condition and encourage breeding.

Quick Care Guide

Scientific Name

Neolamprologus brichardi "Albino"

Common Name

Albino Princess Cichlid

Origin

Captive-bred variety of a species native to Lake Tanganyika, Africa

Adult Size

8–10 cm

Temperament

Semi-aggressive

Diet

Omnivore

Minimum Tank Size

120 Litres

Temperature

24–27°C

pH

7.8–9.0

Water Hardness

10–25 dGH

Difficulty

Beginner to Intermediate

Lifespan

8–10 Years

Suitable For

Lake Tanganyika cichlid aquariums

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Albino Princess Cichlids aggressive?

They are generally peaceful outside of breeding but become highly protective of their territory, eggs, and fry.

Can Albino Princess Cichlids live together?

Yes. They are social fish and can be kept in pairs or colonies in larger aquariums with plenty of rockwork.

What do Albino Princess Cichlids eat?

They thrive on quality cichlid pellets, frozen mysis shrimp, brine shrimp, krill, and other protein-rich foods.

Are Albino Princess Cichlids good parents?

Yes. They are renowned for their exceptional parental care, with both parents and older offspring helping to protect and raise the young.

Can they live with Malawi cichlids?

It is not recommended. Although water parameters are similar, Tanganyikan and Malawi cichlids have different behaviours and are generally best kept in separate species-specific aquariums.

Common Mistakes

Mixing them with incompatible African cichlids

Albino Princess Cichlids are best kept with other compatible Lake Tanganyika species.

Not providing enough rockwork

Rock piles and caves create territories, reduce aggression, and provide spawning sites.

Keeping only one fish

Pairs or small colonies display far more natural behaviour than solitary individuals.

Poor water quality

Stable, hard, alkaline water with excellent filtration is essential for long-term health.

Underestimating breeding behaviour

Breeding pairs become highly territorial and require adequate space to defend their fry.