Golden Julie (Cichlidae sp.) in a freshwater aquarium
Varies carePeacefulMid dwellerAfrica

Golden Julie

Cichlidae sp.

The Golden Julie (Cichlidae sp.) is a peaceful fish that's rewarding to keep. Give it a tank of at least 70 litres (18 US gallons), water held at 73-81°F, and a pH of 6.5-7.5.

Care levelVaries
TemperamentPeaceful
Min tank size18.5 US gal
pH range6.5-7.5
Temperature73-81°F
Max size3.1 in (8.0 cm)
Captive lifespan5-10 years
SchoolingNo
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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.

Golden Julie Tank Setup

Give them at least 70 litres (18 US gallons). Cichlids are territorial and produce plenty of waste, so strong filtration and some rocks or wood to break up sight lines both help. Aim for 73-81°F and a pH around 6.5-7.5.

What Do Golden Julies Eat?

They're not fussy eaters - feed a varied diet, rotating good-quality dry, frozen, and gel foods rather than the same thing every day, and match the food size to their mouths.

Golden Julie Tank Mates

The Golden Julie is peaceful, which is the first thing to weigh up when you choose tank mates. Good matches come down to the whole stocking list working together - temperature, tank size, and temperament - not any single label. Before you buy, run your full stocking list through our stocking calculator. It weighs temperament, adult size, and water needs together, which a single species page can't do on its own.

Are Golden Julies Good for Beginners?

Care demand varies by line and setup. Match the care level to how often you actually test and change water.

Golden Julie - frequently asked questions

What size tank do Golden Julies need?

Golden Julies need a tank of at least 70 litres (18 US gallons). A bigger tank is always easier to keep stable, and gives them more room to settle in and behave naturally.

What water parameters do Golden Julies need?

Keep them at 73-81°F with a pH of 6.5-7.5, steady rather than chased to an exact figure. In a cycled tank, ammonia and nitrite should both read 0 ppm, with nitrate kept low through regular water changes.

What do Golden Julies eat?

Golden Julies are omnivores and aren't fussy eaters. Feed a varied mix of good-quality dry, frozen, and gel foods, and match the food size to their mouths. Feed small amounts once or twice a day, and remove anything they don't eat.

Are Golden Julies good for beginners?

It depends on the setup. Match Golden Julies to how often you actually test water and perform maintenance.

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

Fish to avoid mixing with Golden Julies

These well-known species are commonly sold alongside this fish but are not recommended tank mates - verify before purchasing.

  • Pea PufferPredator - Pea Puffer will eat or injure smaller tank mates
  • Plakat BettaPredator - Plakat Betta will eat or injure smaller tank mates
  • Tiger BarbFin nipper - will shred the fins of peaceful fish