Lamprologus stappersi (Caudopunctatus) Care Guide
Lamprologus stappersi, the Caudopunctatus, is a small yellow-finned shell-spawning cichlid from Lake Tanganyika that forms harem groups around shells.
Overview
Lamprologus stappersi, known to hobbyists as the Caudopunctatus, is a small shell-spawning cichlid from Lake Tanganyika. It has yellow-edged fins and iridescent blue spots near the tail base. It forms harem groups around shells in sandy bays and is among the more peaceful entry-level Lamprologines.
Taxonomy
- Family: Cichlidae
- Genus: Lamprologus
- Scientific name: Lamprologus stappersi
- Common synonyms: Lamprologus caudopunctatus, Neolamprologus caudopunctatus
Habitat
FishBase records the species (as Neolamprologus caudopunctatus) as endemic to the Zambian shores of Lake Tanganyika, where it hovers near the bottom over sand and uses shells for nesting. The lake's alkaline water defines its 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. FishBase notes it hovers near the bottom to consume zooplankton. In the aquarium it accepts small frozen and prepared foods offered near the substrate.
Compatibility
More peaceful than ocellatus, it 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
It is a shell spawner. FishBase notes protective group behaviour, with non-breeding individuals forming a defensive circle around the breeding pair. Captive breeding is rated easy.
Conservation status
FishBase records the species (as Neolamprologus caudopunctatus) as Least Concern on the IUCN Red List (assessed 26 February 2025).