Lake Tanganyika cichlids — species, locations & maps

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Neolamprologus petricola 'Cape Tembwe'.jpg Neolamprologus sexfasciatus 'Cape Tembwe'.jpg Neolamprologus similis 'Cape Tembwe'.jpg Neolamprologus tretocephalus 'Cape Tembwe'.jpg Ophthalmotilapia sp. 'whitecap' Cape Tembwe.jpg
Previous pageNext pageNeolamprologus similis 'Cape Tembwe'
Tribe / Genus: Lamprologini / Neolamprologus
Type locality: Southwestern coast of Lake Tanganyika about 5 km south of Zongwe, Democratic Republic of Congo
Biotope: Most commonly associated with extensive shell beds, where it inhabits areas rich in empty gastropod shells. It can also be found in rocky habitats without shells, but in such cases only at greater depths (deeper than 25 m) and always close to rocks. In shell-bed environments the species may occur in shallower water, around 10 m depth. Regardless of habitat type, it always lives in colonies.
Geographic distribution: Occurs in the central part of Lake Tanganyika. On the western Congolese coast it is found between Cape Tembwe and Kapampa; on the eastern Tanzanian coast between Cape Kabogo and Ikola.
Typical adult size: Males reach up to about 5 cm total length; females remain smaller, up to about 4 cm.
Sexual dimorphism: No visible differences apart from size; females are approximately 15–25% smaller than males.
Recommended aquarium size: 60 L
Aquarium setup: Use a thick layer of fine sand, as the fish actively dig and move substrate. Provide numerous empty snail shells, ideally at least one per individual, which serve as shelter, territory, and breeding sites. Shells of the Tanganyikan snail Neothauma are traditional, but shells of local snails may also be used. Although the species can be kept with other small Tanganyika cichlids that are not large enough to view it as prey, a species-only aquarium is recommended to fully observe colony formation and expansion.
Diet: Carnivorous; feeds mainly on planktonic copepods drifting past the shell entrance, as well as small invertebrates found around the shells. Rock-dwelling populations feed in a similar manner. In aquaria it readily accepts most foods, provided the particle size is small enough for its tiny mouth.
Breeding: Forms colonies typically composed of several males and females, each individual occupying its own shell. In aquaria it is best to start with a group of at least six juveniles. From this group, a pair forms or one male associates with several females. Spawning takes place inside the female’s shell and is difficult to observe directly; the first visible sign is usually the appearance of fry inside the shell. Clutches are small, usually around 10–15 fry. Parents become only slightly more aggressive than usual. Fry are fed with newly hatched Artemia and gradually occupy nearby empty shells as they grow, expanding the colony. Older juveniles often tolerate and help guard subsequent generations, resulting in mixed-age colonies.
Aggression: Generally peaceful, but despite its small size it vigorously defends its own shell and immediate surroundings.
Special notes: Very similar in appearance to Neolamprologus multifasciatus. The most reliable visual difference is that N. similis shows two vertical bars extending onto the head, whereas in N. multifasciatus the bars end before the head. Genetic analyses indicate a very close relationship between the two species, and it has been suggested that N. multifasciatus may have originated through hybridisation involving N. similis and shell-dwelling relatives. Unlike N. multifasciatus, which is mainly distributed in the southern part of the lake, N. similis occupies the central lake region.

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