Lake Tanganyika cichlids — species, locations & maps

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Neolamprologus multifasciatus 'Mpando Point'.jpg Neolamprologus pulcher 'Mpando Point'.jpg Ophthalmotilapia nasuta 'Mpando Point'.jpg
Next pageNeolamprologus multifasciatus 'Mpando Point'
Tribe / Genus: Lamprologini / Neolamprologus
Type locality: Niamkolo Bay, Lake Tanganyika, Zambia.
Biotope: The species is most commonly associated with areas containing large numbers of empty snail shells. It usually inhabits such shell beds, but it can also be found in habitats without snail shells, where it always lives close to rocks and at greater depths (deeper than 25 m). In shell-rich habitats, it may also occur in shallower water, at depths of around 10 m. Regardless of habitat type, it always lives in colonies.
Geographic distribution: Occurs in the southern part of Lake Tanganyika. The distribution extends south of Kapampa along the Congolese shoreline, continues along the entire Zambian coast, and further along the Tanzanian shoreline southwards to Kala.
Typical adult size: The smallest known Tanganyikan cichlid. Males reach up to approximately 5 cm total length, while females are rarely larger than 3.5 cm. Individuals living near rocks rather than in shell beds may grow slightly larger, with females reaching up to about 4 cm.
Sexual dimorphism: Apart from size differences, males and females are visually indistinguishable.
Recommended aquarium size: 60 liters.
Aquarium setup: The aquarium should have a thick layer of fine sand, as these fish actively dig and move substrate. A large number of snail shells should be provided, ideally at least one per individual, which are used for shelter, breeding, and territory defense. Shells of Tanganyikan snails such as Neothauma are ideal, but suitably sized local snail shells can also be used.
Although the species can be kept with other Tanganyikan cichlids that are not large enough to prey on them, it is strongly recommended to keep it in a species-only aquarium. In such a setup, the natural expansion and social dynamics of the colony can be fully observed. In community aquaria, other cichlids will usually restrict the colony to a limited area.
Diet: Carnivorous. In the wild, it mainly feeds on planktonic copepods drifting past the shells, as well as small invertebrates found around the shell beds. Rock-dwelling colonies feed in a similar way. In aquarium conditions, it readily accepts most foods, provided that the food particles are small enough for its tiny mouth.
Breeding: Forms breeding colonies typically consisting of two to three males and four to five females, each individual occupying its own shell. It is best to start with a group of at least six juveniles in aquarium conditions to allow natural pair or harem formation. Spawning takes place inside the female’s shell and is rarely observed directly. The first visible sign of breeding is usually the appearance of fry inside or near the shell.
Clutches are small, typically consisting of about 10–15 fry, which is proportional to the small size of the female. Fry should be fed newly hatched Artemia several times per day once they are observed. Juveniles gradually occupy empty shells nearby and help expand the colony. Multiple generations often coexist, with older juveniles tolerating and helping to protect younger fry.
Aggression: Generally peaceful cichlids, but despite their small size they vigorously defend their own shell and immediate territory.
Special notes: One of the most commonly kept Tanganyikan cichlids in the hobby, largely due to its very small size and suitability for small aquaria. It closely resembles Neolamprologus similis. The most reliable external difference is that the vertical bars of N. multifasciatus do not extend onto the head, whereas N. similis shows two bars on the head.
DNA analyses indicate that these two species are very closely related and that N. multifasciatus may have originated through hybridization. It is suggested that N. similis represents the older lineage, having been present in the lake during periods of lower water levels, while N. multifasciatus may have arisen later after recolonization of the southern basin.
Neolamprologus similis occupies the central part of the lake, between Cape Tembwe and Kapampa on the Congolese coast, and between Cape Kabogo and Ikola on the Tanzanian coast, whereas N. multifasciatus is restricted to the southern basin.

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