Lepidiolamprologus attenuatus Care Guide
Lepidiolamprologus attenuatus is a slim predatory Lake Tanganyika cichlid of sandy areas that digs crater-shaped nests and preys on fish.
Compiled by Aquairi from published sources · Published · Updated
Overview
Lepidiolamprologus attenuatus is a cichlid of the family Cichlidae described by Steindachner in 1909. It is endemic to Lake Tanganyika, where it prefers areas with sandy substrates in which it digs crater-shaped nests. Wikipedia reports a maximum length of about 15 cm.
Taxonomy
- Family: Cichlidae
- Genus: Lepidiolamprologus
- Scientific name: Lepidiolamprologus attenuatus
- Described by: Steindachner, 1909
Habitat
The species is endemic to Lake Tanganyika and prefers areas with sandy substrates, where it excavates crater-shaped nests in the sand. It is a less aggressive predator than its larger relative Lepidiolamprologus elongatus.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 400 L
- Temperature: 24-27 °C (75-81 °F)
- pH: 8.5-9.2
- GH: 12-25 °dGH
- Lifespan: 8-12 years
Diet
Lepidiolamprologus attenuatus is a carnivore that preys on fish. In the aquarium it accepts meaty foods, and tankmates should be too large to be taken as prey.
Compatibility
This semi-aggressive predator uses the middle of the tank. It is suitable for larger Tanganyika communities alongside Cyphotilapia, other large lamprologines and Cyprichromis, while small fish and Mbuna should be avoided.
Breeding
According to Wikipedia, the species digs crater-shaped nests in sandy substrates, which form the focus of its breeding behaviour as a substrate spawner.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Near Threatened. The species is recorded in the aquarium trade.
Lepidiolamprologus attenuatus Breeding Guide
Overview
Lepidiolamprologus attenuatus is a slim predatory cichlid endemic to the southern part of Lake Tanganyika, where it inhabits shallow intermediate zones over sand. It is usually solitary, hovers above the bottom and feeds on fish and invertebrates. Notably it digs large crater-shaped nests in the sand, a substrate-spawning habit.
Sexing
Sexing is not straightforward; pairs are most reliably identified once they bond and claim a nesting territory. Behaviour around the excavated crater is the clearest sign of breeding activity.
Conditioning
As a carnivore feeding on fish and invertebrates, this species is conditioned on meaty foods. Allow fish to pair naturally rather than forcing groupings, given its predatory and territorial nature.
Breeding Setup
Provide a tank with open sand so the fish can dig its characteristic crater nest, reflecting its preference for sandy intermediate zones over rocky shelter. Maintain hard alkaline Tanganyika water around pH 8.0-9.0 and 24-27 C.
Spawning Behavior & Trigger
The fish digs a large crater-shaped nest in the sand even where rocky shelters are available, and spawns on the substrate within this excavated site, which the pair then defends.
Common Challenges
Open sand and adequate space for the crater nest are key. As a predator it will take small fish, so tankmates must be chosen carefully. Stable warm, hard, alkaline water is required throughout breeding.