Masked Julie

• ExerciseLow

  A calm, unhurried swimmer — peaceful surroundings suit them best.

• GroomingAttentive tank care

  Sensitive to water quality — stay on top of testing and maintenance.

• Living spaceNano-tank friendly

  Happy in a small, stable, well-filtered tank.

• Owner experienceSome experience helps

  A little know-how makes life smoother.

• Commitment7–10 years

  Plan for a long, loving relationship.

Health to watch: Ich (white spot) · Fin rot · Parasites

The Masked Julie (Julidochromis transcriptus) is the smallest commonly kept julie at about 6 to 7 cm, from the north-western rocky shores of Lake Tanganyika. Its pattern is a bolder, blockier version of the marlieri checkerboard, in high-contrast black on white. Regional forms such as Gombe and Bemba differ in how heavy the black is. A pair is comfortable in 70 litres or more at 24-27C, pH 8.0 to 9.0 in hard buffered water, with rock stacked so that several narrow tunnels run through the pile. Feed frozen cyclops, baby brine shrimp, daphnia and finely crushed pellets. Like all julies it is monogamous, spawns inside a crevice and raises fry cooperatively, and the same advice applies: buy a group of young fish and let a pair form rather than pairing two adults. Its small size makes it the julie to pick for a modest Tanganyikan tank, and it coexists well with shell dwellers as long as each species has its own end of the tank.

• How active is a Masked Julie?

  Low. A calm, unhurried swimmer — peaceful surroundings suit them best.

• How much maintenance does a Masked Julie need?

  Attentive tank care. Sensitive to water quality — stay on top of testing and maintenance.

• What tank size does a Masked Julie need?

  Nano-tank friendly. Happy in a small, stable, well-filtered tank.

• Is a Masked Julie a good fit for first-time owners?

  Some experience helps. A little know-how makes life smoother.

• How long do Masked Julie live?

  7–10 years. Plan for a long, loving relationship.

• What health issues affect the Masked Julie?

  Keep an eye out for Ich (white spot), Fin rot, Parasites. These are worth raising with your vet, along with any screening they recommend.

Be the first to join this community!