Lepidiolamprologus elongatus Care Guide
Lepidiolamprologus elongatus is a slender predatory Lake Tanganyika cichlid of rocky areas, a fish-eater that spawns in small caves.
Compiled by Aquairi from published sources · Published · Updated
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.
Lepidiolamprologus elongatus Breeding Guide
Overview
Lepidiolamprologus elongatus is a pike-like predatory cichlid endemic to Lake Tanganyika, reaching about 32.5 cm TL. It prefers rocky areas, is usually solitary and feeds on fish. It is a cave spawner that deposits its eggs in small caves among the rocks, in contrast to the mouthbrooding featherfins of the lake.
Sexing
Sexing is difficult outside of breeding condition; males tend to grow larger and males develop blue iridescence. Pairs are most reliably identified by their behaviour once they bond and claim a cave.
Conditioning
As a piscivore at a high trophic level, this species is conditioned on meaty foods. Because it is large, predatory and intolerant of conspecifics, it should be paired carefully rather than kept in crowded groups.
Breeding Setup
A large rocky tank that offers small caves and crevices is required, matching the rocky habitat where the species occurs. Maintain hard alkaline water around pH 8.0-9.0 and a temperature of roughly 23-25 C, within Tanganyika ranges.
Spawning Behavior & Trigger
Spawning occurs in a small cave, where the eggs are laid on a hidden surface. As a substrate-spawning lamprologine the pair guards the spawning site, in contrast to the maternal mouthbrooders of the lake.
Common Challenges
The species is an aggressive predator that will hunt small tankmates and shellies, so it needs a large tank and robust companions. Conspecific aggression makes group keeping difficult, and stable warm, hard, alkaline water is essential.