Lepidiolamprologus cunningtoni Care Guide
Lepidiolamprologus cunningtoni is a large predatory Lake Tanganyika cichlid of sandy areas that digs crater-shaped nests and preys on fish.
Overview
Lepidiolamprologus cunningtoni is a large cichlid of the family Cichlidae. It is endemic to Lake Tanganyika, where it prefers areas with sandy substrates in which it digs crater-shaped nests. Wikipedia reports a maximum total length of about 29.1 cm.
Taxonomy
- Family: Cichlidae
- Genus: Lepidiolamprologus
- Scientific name: Lepidiolamprologus cunningtoni
Habitat
The species is endemic to Lake Tanganyika and prefers sandy bottoms, where it digs crater-shaped nests. Its name honours the British zoologist William Alfred Cunnington, who collected the type specimen during an expedition to the lake.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 700 L
- Temperature: 24-27 °C (75-81 °F)
- pH: 8.5-9.2
- GH: 12-25 °dGH
- Lifespan: 10-15 years
Diet
Lepidiolamprologus cunningtoni is a carnivore that takes fish as prey. In the aquarium it accepts meaty foods, and any tankmates must be too large to be eaten.
Compatibility
This large, aggressive predator uses the middle of the tank and requires a very large aquarium. It should only be combined with the largest Tanganyika species, such as Cyphotilapia. Small fish, shell-dwellers and Mbuna are unsuitable.
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: Least Concern. The species is recorded in the aquarium trade.