Brown Julie

Cichlidae sp.

Brown Julie (Cichlidae sp.) — Varies care, Peaceful, under Other. Minimum tank in the app: 19.8 US gal min; aim for 73–81°F and pH 6.5–7.5. The Brown Julie appeals to both novice and seasoned aquarists due to its unique charm and manageable size.

Brown Julie (Cichlidae sp.) in a planted freshwater aquarium
Care levelVaries
TemperamentPeaceful
Min tank size19.8 US gal min
pH range6.5–7.5
Temperature73–81°F
Max size5.9 in (15.0 cm)
Captive lifespan8–14 years
SchoolingNo

Captive lifespan reflects typical experience in a home aquarium, not maximum recorded age; genetics, sourcing, and care vary.

Natural distribution

Africa

  • Africa

Regional colours match the stocking calculator’s origin map.

Brown Julie Tank Setup

Aim for a 75L minimum tank with ample mid-level swimming space complemented by strategic cover using rocks and plants. Moderate flow is beneficial, with subdued lighting to create hiding spots and encourage natural behaviours, fostering a secure environment.

What Do Brown Julies Eat?

Brown Julies are omnivores that can adapt to varied diets, but feeding should be spaced to minimize competition, as they may exhibit dominant feeding behaviours. Consider supplementing with high-quality pellets and occasional live or frozen foods to enhance health and vibrancy.

Brown Julie Tank Mates

Ideal companions include similarly sized cichlids or robust community fish that can withstand occasional assertiveness. Be cautious with more passive species that may be bullied. Intraspecies interactions can vary, with individuals displaying territoriality, particularly during breeding or when establishing dominance.

Are Brown Julies Good for Beginners?

Care demand varies with setup and individual fish; use the numbers above as your baseline. Aquarists often underestimate the importance of territorial space, leading to stress and aggression. Neglecting to provide adequate hiding spots can exacerbate conflicts, while improper water parameters may impact their health, resulting in decreased activity and vitality.

Building a community? Run the full list through the stocking calculator before you add anything else.

Log tests and reminders in App-aquatic—free, same data you see here.