Buescher's Cichlid (Neolamprologus buescheri) Care Guide
Neolamprologus buescheri is a small, cave-bound Tanganyika cichlid that rarely strays far from its rocky refuge.
Compiled by Aquairi from published sources · Published · Updated
Overview
Neolamprologus buescheri is a small rock-dwelling cichlid endemic to Lake Tanganyika, described by Staeck in 1983 and named for collector Heinz H. Büscher. It is a cave brooder that rarely ventures more than about 30 cm from its cave.
Taxonomy
- Family: Cichlidae
- Genus: Neolamprologus
- Scientific name: Neolamprologus buescheri
- Described by Staeck, 1983
Habitat
FishBase reports it from the southern portion of Lake Tanganyika at depths greater than 20 metres, with some specimens as shallow as 10 metres (roughly 20-40 m range). It is a freshwater, benthopelagic, cave-dwelling species of tropical waters.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 200 L (53 gal)
- Temperature: 24-27 °C (75-81 °F)
- pH: 8.5-9.2
- GH: 12-25 °dGH
- Rockwork with caves and crevices
- Lifespan: 6-10 years
Provide rockwork with secure caves. FishBase lists wild values near 24-28 °C, pH 8.0-9.0 and dH 9-19; the parameters above follow the verified care record.
Diet
A carnivore. FishBase reports it feeds mainly on insect larvae (chironomids) plus other invertebrates, with a trophic level around 3.5. In the aquarium it accepts small meaty frozen and prepared foods fed about twice daily.
Compatibility
Relatively peaceful for a lamprologine but territorial and aggressive when spawning. It suits community Tanganyika tanks with Cyprichromis, Julidochromis and other peaceful lamprologines. Avoid mbuna and Tropheus.
Breeding
A cave brooder. FishBase notes pair bonds and aggressive territorial behaviour during spawning, with eggs deposited in a cave, though strict pair bonds may not persist in captivity.
Conservation status
FishBase lists IUCN Least Concern (assessed 2025). An earlier Wikipedia entry cited a Data Deficient status, reflecting limited assessment of this deeper-water species.
Breeding Neolamprologus buescheri
Overview
Neolamprologus buescheri is a slender rock-dwelling Lamprologine from Lake Tanganyika. Seriously Fish gives a maximum standard length of about 7 cm and describes it as one of the most aggressive small cichlids in the hobby. It is a secretive cave spawner.
Sexing
Males and females appear visually identical; males reveal themselves over time through their pronounced aggressive behaviour. Reliable pairing relies on observing behaviour rather than markings.
Conditioning
Maintain hard, alkaline water; Seriously Fish recommends a pH of 8.2-9.0 and a temperature of about 25-27 C (77-80 F) for breeding. A varied carnivorous diet conditions adults.
Breeding Setup
Provide a tank of at least 90 cm (36 in) in length with sand and rock caves. Seriously Fish suggests stocking a single male with several females to spread aggression and reduce casualties among subdominant males.
Spawning Behavior & Trigger
Spawning occurs very secretively in the cave of the selected female, with her laying the eggs on the wall or roof of it. It is difficult to confirm spawning until fry become visible.
Egg & Fry Care
The female tends the eggs while the male guards the vicinity but can be unpredictable around fry, chasing them when they leave the cave. Fry are large enough for brine shrimp nauplii or microworm from birth. They tolerate the male's presence until about 4 cm (1.5 in), though early removal is recommended due to the male's unpredictability.
Common Challenges
The species' intense aggression is the main challenge; an unbonded partner or surplus males can be harmed. A harem structure in a spacious, cave-rich tank, with fry removed early, gives the best survival.