Lake Tanganyika cichlids — species, locations & maps

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Neolamprologus savoryi 'Ulwile Island, Musi Point'.jpg Neolamprologus sp. 'caudopunctatus kipili' Ulwile Island.jpg Neolamprologus timidus 'Ulwile Island'.jpg Ophthalmotilapia nasuta 'Ulwile Island'.jpg Ophthalmotilapia sp. 'whitecap' Ulwile Island.jpg
Previous pageNext pageNeolamprologus timidus 'Ulwile Island'
Tribe / Genus: Lamprologini / Neolamprologus
Type locality: Ulwile Island, Lake Tanganyika, Tanzania.
Biotope: Dark rocky habitats, especially vertical rock faces, overhangs and deep caves. The species remains in constant close contact with the substrate, often swimming head-down or upside-down with the belly facing the rock surface.
Geographic distribution: Restricted to the Tanzanian coast of Lake Tanganyika, over a stretch of roughly 100 km between Cape Mpimbwe (Utinta) and Ninde, with the southernmost records from Kisi Island. Occurs sympatrically with Neolamprologus furcifer in parts of its range.
Typical adult size: Up to about 13 cm total length, or up to approximately 16 cm when measured to the tips of the caudal-fin streamers. Females are on average about 15% smaller than males.
Sexual dimorphism: No obvious differences in coloration or fin shape; males are on average larger than females.
Recommended aquarium size: At least 300 L.
Aquarium setup: The aquarium should be arranged to mimic dark rocky habitats with vertical walls, overhangs and deep caves, allowing the fish to display its natural head-down swimming behavior. This can be achieved with large stones or artificial 3D rock modules. Each individual strongly defends its territory, so ample space is required. Best kept as a harem with one male and several females. Suitable tankmates are species occupying other zones, such as sand-dwelling cichlids.
Diet: Carnivorous. Presumed to feed mainly on small crustaceans and other invertebrates collected from cracks and crevices in the rocks, and occasionally on fish eggs. The species moves extremely close to the substrate, aided by its very large eyes.
Breeding: Little is known from the wild. It is assumed to follow a haremic breeding system similar to N. furcifer, with males visiting the territories of females for spawning. In captivity, successful breeding has been reported, with clutches producing up to about 30 fry. Fry disperse quickly and establish individual territories at a very small size.
Aggression: Aggression is mainly limited to territorial defense. Intruders are chased away but usually not physically injured.
Special notes: Characterized by a triangular head, extremely large eyes and precise head-down locomotion along rock surfaces. Compared to the closely related Neolamprologus furcifer, the swim bladder appears less sensitive to pressure changes, and aquarium specimens do not usually suffer from buoyancy disorders.
Distinction from N. furcifer: N. timidus has a scaled cheek (vs. naked in N. furcifer), a longer head and pectoral fins, the first soft ray of the pelvic fin longer than the second (vs. the opposite in N. furcifer), and lacks the dark spot at the caudal-fin base present in adult N. furcifer. Body markings usually include two narrow longitudinal stripes, whereas N. furcifer shows broader, blotchy markings when present. The pelvic fin of N. timidus appears pointed and triangular, while it is more rounded in N. furcifer.

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Photo: © African Diving Ltd
Photo: © African Diving Ltd
Photo: © African Diving Ltd
Photo: © African Diving Ltd
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