Compressed Cichlid (Altolamprologus compressiceps)

Scientific Name(s): Altolamprologus compressiceps, Lamprologus compressiceps, Neolamprologus compressiceps

 

Common Name(s): Compressed Cichlid

 

Family: Cichlidae

 

Species Type: African Cichlids, Lake Tanganyika

 

Maximum Size: 6 inches

 

Life Span: 8 years

 

Natural Habitat: East African Lake Tanganyika

 

Minimum Tank Size: 50 gallons

 

Tank Region: All over

 

Possible Tank Mates: Other Tanganyikan african cichlids

 

Description: An elongated and laterally compressed cichlid. The back is arched and the dorsal fin is elongated. The large mouth faces the surface of the water. The body color is generally off-white to light brown, and the fins are beige. The body is marked with ten to 12 transverse bars. The body is spotted with small whitish markings. A dark black marking extends from the upper lip, through the eye, and back down to the bottom of the gill cover. The anal and dorsal fin have a darker edging.

 

Temperature Range 72°F - 78°F

60°F

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pH Range 7.2 - 8.4

pH 5.0

pH 6.0

pH 7.0

pH 8.0

pH 9.0

 

Hardness 5° - 15°

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10°

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40°

 

Breeding Information: The Compressed Cichlid, Compressiceps, or Lamp Compressiceps are egg layers. They are sheltered substrate spawners. The female will pick a crevice too small for the male to enter to lay her eggs. The male will lie over the opening and release his sperm to fertilize the eggs. The female will lay more than 300 eggs.

 

Sexing Information: Males are usually significantly larger in established pairs. Mature males will also appear deeper bodied with more elongated finnage. These differences are not apparent in juveniles.

 

Diet: Omnivorous - Feed with shrimp, frozen foods and small fish.

 

Temperment: Territorial and aggressive towards smaller species.

 

Common Diseases: None specific to species.

 

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Compressed Cichlid (Altolamprologus compressiceps)