Julidochromis ornatus – Golden Julie
Just like its relative Julidochromis marlieri, Julidochromis ornatus is an omnivore. In the wild they mainly feed on insect larvae and small invertebrae that live in the aufwuchs. They comb the algae in search of those small insects, also ingesting small algae particles. A varied diet of mysis, artemia, mosquito larvae, Daphnia, plankton, flakes and possibly spirulina will certainly do the Julidochromis ornatus good. In Lake Tanganyika it also picks between the sponges, which means it also ingests small pieces of sponge. In the aquarium, this cannot be imitated.
This species is quite intolerant with conspecifics and can therefore only be kept in pairs. To get a good pair it is best to start with about 6 to 8 youngsters. Once a pair has been formed, the rest must be removed to avoid fighting. The ornatus is a real rock dweller, so sufficient rocks and hiding places are necessary to make this fish comfortable.
Breeding Julidochromis ornatus
Breeding this species is not too difficult. Julidochromis ornatus does not really have a breeding season and can therefore breed all year round. The laying of the eggs takes place in a cave, usually against the ceiling. The clutches usually consist of about 25 eggs. After the fry have hatched, they are protected as long as they do not swim freely. Once they have left the nest, they are left to fend for themselves. Because the young stay near their parents’ territory, they are somewhat protected from predators. The smallest fry are sensitive to large water changes, so do not change too much after a nest has just hatched.
Also see the article Julidochromis ornatus breedingreport.
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John de Lange
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John de Lange
