Kendall's Lepidio (Lepidiolamprologus kendalli) Care Guide

Lepidiolamprologus kendalli is a cichlid endemic to Lake Tanganyika. This guide covers its tank requirements, diet, behaviour and breeding.

Overview

Lepidiolamprologus kendalli is a cichlid (family Cichlidae) endemic to Lake Tanganyika in East Africa. FishBase gives a maximum of 16.0 cm total length. It is a carnivorous piscivore (trophic level ~4.

Taxonomy

Family: Cichlidae
Scientific name: Lepidiolamprologus kendalli
Described by: Poll & Stewart, 1977

The genus Lepidiolamprologus belongs to the tribe Lamprologini and is closely related to Altolamprologus.

Habitat

Endemic to Lake Tanganyika between Nkamba Bay (Zambia) and Kala (Tanzania); a rock-dweller found from shallow water to deeper than 40 m, usually solitary.

Tank requirements

Minimum tank volume: 300 L (79 gal)
Adult size: 12-15 cm
Temperature: 24-27 °C (75-81 °F)
pH: 8.5-9.2 (hard, alkaline rift-lake water)
GH: 12-25 °dGH
Lifespan: 7-11 years

Diet

It is a carnivorous piscivore (trophic level ~4.2) that cruises large distances searching for fish prey.

Compatibility

Lepidiolamprologus kendalli is a semi-aggressive species that occupies the middle water layer. In a dedicated Lake Tanganyika community it is typically kept with Cyprichromis, Cyphotilapia. Avoid combining it with Small fish.

Breeding

It is a pair-bonded cave-spawner.

Conservation status

IUCN Red List: Least Concern.