Masked Julie

Cichlidae sp.

Masked Julie (Cichlidae sp.) — Varies care, Peaceful, under Other. Minimum tank in the app: 29 US gal min; aim for 73–81°F and pH 6.5–7.5. The Masked Julie is a captivating species for experienced aquarists seeking a semi-aggressive centerpiece.

Masked Julie (Cichlidae sp.) in a planted freshwater aquarium
Care levelVaries
TemperamentPeaceful
Min tank size29 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.

Masked Julie Tank Setup

Create a balanced environment with both open swimming space and ample cover from rocks or plants to cater to their mid-swimming habits. A sandy substrate can facilitate natural foraging behaviour, while moderate lighting will help reduce stress. Ensure the layout allows for exploration and retreat, as this encourages natural behaviours and minimizes aggression.

What Do Masked Julies Eat?

Masked Julies are omnivores with a moderate feeding pace. They can compete for food, especially in a community tank, so providing varied diets and ensuring enough feeding stations can minimize competition.

Masked Julie Tank Mates

Ideal tank mates include similarly sized, semi-aggressive fish that occupy different swimming levels to reduce territorial disputes. Avoid overly aggressive species or those with similar body shapes to thwart competition. With no shoaling instinct, keeping them solitary or in small groups is advisable, as larger groups may lead to increased aggression and stress among individuals.

Are Masked Julies Good for Beginners?

Care demand varies with setup and individual fish; use the numbers above as your baseline. Aquarists often underestimate the social dynamics of the Masked Julie, leading to inadequate territorial space or mistaken compatibility choices. Overcrowding or improper tank mates can trigger aggression and stress, while neglecting water parameters can compromise their health and behaviour.

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.