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Lake Tanganyika cichlids — species, locations & maps

Lake Tanganyika cichlids — species, locations & maps
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Altolamprologus sp. 'compressiceps shell'.jpg Altolamprologus sp. 'compressiceps shell' Cameron Bay.jpg Altolamprologus sp. 'compressiceps shell' Cape Chipimbi.jpg Altolamprologus sp. 'compressiceps shell' Cape Kachese.jpg Altolamprologus sp. 'compressiceps shell' Chimba.jpg
Previous pageNext pageAltolamprologus sp. 'compressiceps shell' Cape Chipimbi
Tribe / Genus: Lamprologini / Altolamprologus
Biotope: Shell beds located close to rocky habitats. Its small size allows it to inhabit and breed in areas with empty snail shells where larger Altolamprologus compressiceps are unable to hide or reproduce.
Geographic distribution: Lake Tanganyika. Reported from Zambia and recorded from localities such as Chimba and Sumbu; similar dwarf, shell-dwelling A. compressiceps-type ecotypes are also known from other parts of the lake.
Typical adult size: Wild-caught specimens are typically around 6 cm. In aquaria males may reach about 9 cm (sometimes more). Females remain markedly smaller and usually do not exceed ~6 cm.
Sexual dimorphism: Females are always noticeably smaller than males. Female finnage (pelvics, dorsal, and anal fins) is shorter, and females often appear rounder in the belly.
Recommended aquarium size: 80 L (for a bonded pair)
Aquarium setup: A bonded pair can be kept in a relatively small aquarium of around 80 L, but the species is also suitable for larger community aquaria together with other Tanganyikan cichlids.
Provide a fine sand substrate and a sufficient number of empty snail shells, which are used both for shelter and breeding. Strong filtration and stable, hard alkaline water are recommended.
Diet: Carnivorous. Feeds mainly on small crustaceans, insects, and various invertebrates. It may occasionally eat small fry but is not a typical active predator.
In aquaria, it readily accepts a broad range of foods; offer a balanced diet of quality dry foods and frozen foods such as Artemia, krill, and shrimp flesh.
Breeding: Breeding occurs in a similar manner to Altolamprologus compressiceps, with the female selecting a spawning site that the male cannot enter. In this form, the site is usually a snail shell rather than a rock cave.
The clutch is smaller than in normally sized A. compressiceps, typically a few dozen eggs. The female provides most brood defence; the male may participate occasionally.
Aggression: Mildly aggressive within the species, especially between males. Toward other species, aggression is generally low.
Special notes: Similar to A. compressiceps in overall body proportions (stockier than A. calvus, with a scaly nape), but markedly smaller and typically lighter in coloration (greyish to yellowish). The most consistent difference is adult size.

Growth is extremely slow; even under excellent feeding, individuals may require at least two years to mature, and growth may continue for several more years.

Opinions differ on whether this form represents a distinct species or a dwarf ecotype of A. compressiceps. Reports and analyses have suggested both possibilities, and dwarf shell-dwelling offshoots may have evolved independently in multiple areas of the lake. Notably, no comparable shell-dwelling offshoot is known in A. calvus.

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Photo: © Kenan Gv
Photo: © Kenan Gv
Photo: © Kenan Gv
Photo: © Kenan Gv
Photo: © Kenan Gv
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Lake Tanganyika cichlids — species, locations & maps.
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