Lepidiolamprologus elongatus Care Guide
Lepidiolamprologus elongatus is a slender predatory Lake Tanganyika cichlid of rocky areas, a fish-eater that spawns in small caves.
Overview
Lepidiolamprologus elongatus is a cichlid of the family Cichlidae described by Boulenger in 1898. It is endemic to Lake Tanganyika, widely distributed throughout the lake, and prefers rocky areas. FishBase records a maximum total length of about 32.5 cm.
Taxonomy
- Family: Cichlidae
- Genus: Lepidiolamprologus
- Scientific name: Lepidiolamprologus elongatus
- Described by: Boulenger, 1898
Habitat
The species is endemic to Lake Tanganyika and widely distributed throughout the lake, where it favours rocky areas. According to FishBase it is a freshwater, benthopelagic species of rock-dwelling zones.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 500 L
- Temperature: 24-27 °C (FishBase records 23-25 °C)
- pH: 8.5-9.2 (FishBase records 8.0-9.0)
- GH: 12-25 °dGH
- Lifespan: 8-12 years
Diet
Lepidiolamprologus elongatus is a carnivorous predator on fish, with a trophic level of about 4.2 according to FishBase. In the aquarium it takes meaty foods; suitable companions must be too large to be swallowed.
Compatibility
This is an aggressive, mid-water predator. It should only be kept with robust Tanganyika cichlids of comparable size, such as Cyphotilapia frontosa. Small fish, shell-dwellers and Mbuna are unsuitable as they may be eaten or harassed.
Breeding
According to FishBase, Lepidiolamprologus elongatus spawns in small caves, where it deposits its eggs as a substrate spawner.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Least Concern. The species is recorded in commercial fisheries and the aquarium trade.