Lamprologus ornatipinnis Care Guide
Lamprologus ornatipinnis is a small Lake Tanganyika shell-spawning cichlid with ornate finnage and dark bars, suited to nano Tanganyika tanks.
Overview
Lamprologus ornatipinnis is a small shell-spawning cichlid endemic to Lake Tanganyika. It shows ornate finnage and dark vertical bars on a tan body. Less commonly seen than ocellatus, it occupies a similar niche around shells and suits nano Tanganyika setups.
Taxonomy
- Family: Cichlidae
- Genus: Lamprologus
- Scientific name: Lamprologus ornatipinnis
- Group: Tanganyika shell-spawning Lamprologines
Habitat
FishBase records the species as endemic to Lake Tanganyika, a benthopelagic freshwater fish. While noted to be larger than typical shell-dwellers, it is still a shell spawner like most so-called shell-dwellers. The lake's hard, alkaline water defines its care requirements.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 80 L
- Temperature: 24-27 °C (75-81 °F)
- pH: 8.5-9.2
- GH: 12-25 °dGH
- Substrate: sand with shells for spawning
- Lifespan: 5-8 years
Diet
It is a carnivore that takes small invertebrates near the bottom; FishBase assigns it a trophic level of 3.7. In the aquarium it accepts small frozen and prepared foods offered near the substrate.
Compatibility
This semi-aggressive shellie suits a Tanganyika community with Cyprichromis, Julidochromis, other shell-dwellers and Synodontis petricola. It should not be combined with mbuna, Tropheus or aggressive haps.
Breeding
FishBase records the species as a shell spawner, laying eggs inside snail shells on the sand. Captive breeding is rated easy.
Conservation status
The IUCN Red List assesses Lamprologus ornatipinnis as Least Concern (assessed 25 February 2025).