Ophthalmotilapia boops blue neon Kipili

The **Ophthalmotilapia boops "Blue Neon" (Kipili) is a striking featherfin cichlid native to Lake Tanganyika. Famous for the males' intense velvet-black body and iridescent, sky-blue neon stripe, it is a highly prized but moderately aggressive mouthbrooder that requires specific water parameters and ample hiding space. Size: Males reach about 15 cm (\(6\) inches), while females are smaller at around 12 cm (\(4.5\) inches). Sexual Dimorphism: Extreme. Females and fry are typically dull or solid silver. Adult males are jet black with vivid neon-blue speckling and stripes, accompanied by bright yellow egg dummies on the tips of their elongated ventral fins. Geographic Variation: The Kipili locale (often referred to as "Neon Stripe" or "Neon Kipili") is specifically characterized by a continuous, bright neon-blue horizontal stripe extending from the gills through the body and straight into the caudal fin. Tank Size: A minimum of \(50\) to \(75\) gallons is recommended, preferably with a long footprint to accommodate their active swimming. Temperament: Highly active and somewhat aggressive, particularly between males defending their large, crater-like sand nests. Aquascape: Provide a deep sandy substrate for their nests, paired with large rock formations at the back and sides to offer boundaries and shelter for the non-colored females. Water Parameters: Typical Rift Valley conditions are required: pH (7.8 - 9.0), and temperature between (76F-82F)