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Lake Tanganyika cichlids — species, locations & maps

Lake Tanganyika cichlids — species, locations & maps
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Neolamprologus niger 'Muzimu'.jpg Neolamprologus niger 'Nondwa Point'.jpg Neolamprologus niger 'Sibwesa'.jpg
Previous pageNeolamprologus niger 'Sibwesa'
Tribe / Genus: Lamprologini / Neolamprologus
Type locality: Luhanga, Lake Tanganyika, Democratic Republic of Congo
Biotope: Sediment-rich intermediate sand–rock habitats. The species inhabits depths from approximately 6 to 30 m and spends most of its time hidden within rock crevices, rarely venturing far from shelter.
Geographic distribution: Northern part of Lake Tanganyika, from Sibwesa (Tanzania) to Kavala Islands (Democratic Republic of Congo). The species is reputedly absent from Burundi.
Typical adult size: Males reach around 9 cm total length, while females remain significantly smaller, usually up to about 5 cm.
Sexual dimorphism: Sexes are alike, except that males are markedly larger than females.
Recommended aquarium size: 150 liters (for a pair).
Aquarium setup: A fine sand substrate is recommended. Numerous rocks should be arranged to form many caves and narrow hiding places.
Due to strong intraspecific aggression, only a single pair should be kept in the aquarium.
In larger aquaria the species can be kept in a community setup, but for breeding purposes a species-only aquarium is preferable, as the small clutch size makes egg and fry survival more difficult in the presence of other fishes.
Diet: Carnivorous. Feeds on small invertebrates, crustaceans, insect larvae and small snails.
Breeding: A cave spawner. Spawning takes place inside narrow rock crevices.
The clutch size is extremely small, usually only 3 to 4 eggs. Both parents participate in brood care: the female guards the eggs inside the cave, while the male defends the area in front of the shelter.
Aggression: Highly aggressive within the species.
Special notes: Together with Neolamprologus obscurus, this species is considered one of the most secretive and shy cichlids of Lake Tanganyika.

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Photo: © Ad Konings
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Lake Tanganyika cichlids — species, locations & maps.
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