The Smith’s Cichlid (Julidochromis marksmithi) is a tropical freshwater fish in the Cichlidae family of cichlids. It is also known as a Julie Cichlid or Convict Julie.

The Smith’s Cichlid has an elongated body with black, white, and yellow horizontal stripes from nose to tail. Its long dorsal (back) fin is white with black markings. Its eyes are black with yellow eye-rings.

It grows to about 10 centimetres (4 inches) long.

The Smith’s Cichlid is native to Lake Tanganika in Africa. 

It is omnivorous, feeding on insects, insect larvae, and aquatic plants. 

The Smith’s Cichlid forms a monogamous pair. The female lays 30-50 eggs in a rock crevice. The eggs hatch after 2-3 days. The young, called fry, are free swimming after 5-6 days, but stay close to their parents.

The life expectancy of the Smith’s Cichlid is, on average, 4-5 years. 

[Location of photographs: Tbilisi Zoo, Georgia]

Photographer: Martina Nicolls

Martina Nicolls: SIMILAR BUT DIFFERENT IN THE ANIMAL KINGDOM