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Lake Tanganyika cichlids — species, locations & maps

Lake Tanganyika cichlids — species, locations & maps
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Neolamprologus gracilis 'Kanoni'.jpg Neolamprologus gracilis 'Kapampa'.jpg Neolamprologus gracilis 'Tembe (Deux)'.jpg
Previous pageNext pageNeolamprologus gracilis 'Kapampa'
Tribe / Genus: Lamprologini / Neolamprologus
Type locality: Kapampa
Biotope: Rocky habitat, where it forms large social groups similar to other “princess” species. Recorded at depths of about 5–20 m and found in the same general habitat as other members of the complex, including Neolamprologus savoryi and one or another member of the brichardi–pulcher superspecies. It is also reported to occur sympatrically with N. marunguensis, which is very similar in coloration but differs in body shape.
Geographic distribution: Reported from the Congolese coast between the Lunangwa River and Kanoni. The species is also reported from Lumbye on the Tanzanian coast. North of Sibwesa on the Tanzanian coast, additional similar “princess” forms are mentioned, including Neolamprologus sp. “Princess Lyamembe” and Neolamprologus sp. “gracilis tanzania”, while farther south (Ikola to Isonga) another colonial “princess” form is noted as Neolamprologus sp. “Princess Kekese”.
Typical adult size: Reaches about 7 cm not counting the caudal-fin extensions; total length exceeds 10 cm when the fin extensions are included.
Sexual dimorphism: Sexes are externally very similar; males are on average slightly larger and tend to have a less rounded belly.
Recommended aquarium size: 150 L for a species-only colony. In a community aquarium, at least 300 L is recommended.
Aquarium setup: Arrange extensive rockwork to create many caves and passages, with rocks ideally stacked high toward the back of the aquarium. The species behaves similarly to N. brichardi and N. pulcher, but remains smaller. It quickly forms a colony and may occupy the entire aquarium, reducing space available to other fishes and increasing territorial conflicts; a species-only aquarium is therefore strongly recommended. If kept in a community setup, a much larger aquarium is required.
Diet: Carnivorous. Feeds mainly on small invertebrates such as insects and copepods. In aquaria, provide quality commercial foods supplemented with live and frozen items.
Breeding: A colonial breeder that forms sizeable family groups, similar to N. brichardi and N. pulcher. Colony structure and the extent of group living are described as influenced by population density and the species’ comparatively lower intraspecific aggression. In aquaria, prolific reproduction can lead to rapid expansion across the tank, and excess young may need to be removed while retaining some helpers for territorial defense.
Aggression: Can be quite aggressive toward conspecifics, though generally less so than N. brichardi and N. pulcher.
Special notes: Neolamprologus gracilis is often compared with N. marunguensis due to very similar coloration, but the two occur together at the same localities and differ markedly in shape. N. gracilis is described as one of the most elegant “princess” species, with exceptionally long caudal-fin extensions—longer than in any other member of the complex—and a distinctive sky-blue iris. It lacks the black facial markings seen in some other “princess” species, but shows a bright blue line beneath the eye.

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