Haplotaxodon (Haplotaxodon microlepis) Care Guide
Haplotaxodon microlepis is a cichlid endemic to Lake Tanganyika. This guide covers its tank requirements, diet, behaviour and breeding.
Overview
Haplotaxodon microlepis is a cichlid (family Cichlidae) endemic to Lake Tanganyika in East Africa. FishBase gives a maximum of 26.0 cm total length. It is a pelagic planktivore that feeds on zooplankton.
Taxonomy
- Family: Cichlidae
- Scientific name: Haplotaxodon microlepis
- Described by: Boulenger, 1906
It has a distinctive upturned mouth adapted for surface and mid-water feeding.
Habitat
Endemic to Lake Tanganyika across Burundi, the DR Congo, Tanzania and Zambia. Adults occupy open water, alone or in pairs, and sometimes gather in schools near rocky shores.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 500 L (132 gal)
- Adult size: 17-21 cm
- Temperature: 24-27 °C (75-81 °F)
- pH: 8.5-9.2 (hard, alkaline rift-lake water)
- GH: 12-25 °dGH
- Recommended group size: 6+ individuals
- Lifespan: 8-12 years
Diet
It is a pelagic planktivore that feeds on zooplankton.
Compatibility
Haplotaxodon microlepis is a peaceful species that occupies the upper water layer. In a dedicated Lake Tanganyika community it is typically kept with Cyphotilapia, Cyprichromis, Featherfins. Avoid combining it with Mbuna, Tropheus.
Breeding
Both parents practise biparental mouthbrooding; fry are released at about 2.3 cm by parents measuring roughly 16-18 cm.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Least Concern.