Buescher's Cichlid (Neolamprologus buescheri) Care Guide
Neolamprologus buescheri is a small, cave-bound Tanganyika cichlid that rarely strays far from its rocky refuge.
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.