When I first started in the aquarium hobby back in the 70s, Julidochromis ornatus was among the first cichlids I kept, though without much success. In December 2002, I tried again with five new specimens, but unfortunately, they proved challenging once more and were lost within a few months.
Behavior and Territory
What fascinates me about J. ornatus are its bright colors and distinct horizontal stripes. In the tank, they exhibit a unique behavior; once they have claimed a territory, they rarely venture far from it. A peculiar trait is their habit of swimming parallel to the nearest surface. This often results in them swimming upside down or vertically against rock faces.
Social Structure and Breeding
Like many other Tanganyikan cichlids, J. ornatus is a cave spawner. When they breed, they often form colonies where multiple generations of fry coexist with the adults in the same rockwork. However, one must be careful not to house them with other Julidochromis species, as they crossbreed very easily.
Water Quality and Care
This species is notably more sensitive than its relatives. It demands high water quality and is very susceptible to fluctuations in water parameters. Regular water changes are an absolute necessity. They thrive in hard, alkaline water with a $pH$ of 8.0-9.0 and a temperature of 24-27°C.
