Lake Tanganyika cichlids — species, locations & maps

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Tongwa.jpg Neolamprologus brevis 'Tongwa'.jpg Neolamprologus calliurus 'Tongwa'.jpg Neolamprologus cf. petricola 'Zambia' Tongwa.jpg
Previous pageNext pageNeolamprologus brevis 'Tongwa'
Tribe / Genus: Lamprologini / Neolamprologus
Type locality: Albertville [Mtoa], Lake Tanganyika, Congo [Democratic Republic of Congo].
Biotope: Typically inhabits sandy or muddy bottoms where empty snail shells are scarce and scattered. Usually found at depths greater than 5 m and recorded down to 40 m. Only rarely occurs on dense shell beds; at Karilani Island such shell beds are thickly encrusted with calcium deposits and inhabited almost exclusively by this species and small shell-dwelling Telmatochromis.
Geographic distribution: Occurs throughout Lake Tanganyika.
Typical adult size: Males reach up to 5 cm total length, while females rarely exceed 4 cm. The species remains small both in the wild and in aquarium conditions.
Sexual dimorphism: Sexes are difficult to distinguish when immature. Males are consistently slightly larger at all stages of growth. Adult females of some populations develop a light yellow to golden yellow belly, making them easy to distinguish from males.
Recommended aquarium size: 60 liters for a pair.
Aquarium setup: A sandy substrate with a relatively thick layer of fine sand is essential, as the fish actively excavate the substrate. One empty snail shell per pair should be provided as shelter and breeding site. Neothauma shells are preferred, but shells of suitable local snails are also accepted. Pairs should be kept with sufficient spacing between shells. Larger predatory tank mates must be avoided.
Diet: Carnivorous plankton feeder. In the wild, pairs hover 10–20 cm above their shell and feed on passing zooplankton. In captivity they accept live and frozen foods such as Cyclops, Artemia, Daphnia, and other small invertebrates.
Breeding: Serially monogamous shell-brooder. Male and female usually share a single snail shell, which is unique among Tanganyikan shell-dwellers. Spawning takes place inside the shell. The male often remains with the female until the fry become free-swimming, after which he may leave. Brood size is typically 15–25 fry. Fry leave the parental shell one to two weeks after becoming mobile and search for shells of their own.
Aggression: Generally peaceful, but strongly defends the immediate area around its shell against intruders.
Special notes: This is the only known Tanganyikan shell-dwelling cichlid in which both male and female routinely occupy the same shell. Unlike most shell-brooders that live in harems, this species lives in pairs, allowing it to inhabit areas with very low shell density where other shell-dwellers are absent. When threatened, the smaller female enters the shell first, followed by the male.

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Photo: © Tautvydas Pangonis
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Lake Tanganyika cichlids — species, locations & maps.
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