Neolamprologus falcicula Care Guide
Neolamprologus falcicula is a Brichardi-group cichlid endemic to Lake Tanganyika off Burundi, reaching about 8 cm and forming cooperative colonies.
Overview
Neolamprologus falcicula is a slender cichlid of the family Cichlidae, described by Brichard in 1989. It belongs to the Brichardi (Princess of Tanganyika) species group, recognised by its lyrate fin extensions. According to FishBase and Wikipedia it is endemic to Lake Tanganyika, known only from the waters off Burundi, with the type locality on the Magara coast at about ten metres depth.
Taxonomy
- Family: Cichlidae
- Genus: Neolamprologus
- Scientific name: Neolamprologus falcicula
- Author: Brichard, 1989
- Synonyms: Lamprologus falcicula, Neolamprologus chitamwebwai
Habitat
The species is restricted to Lake Tanganyika in eastern Africa, recorded only from the Burundian coast. FishBase classifies it as a freshwater, benthopelagic fish of tropical waters. Lake Tanganyika is an old, alkaline rift lake with stable temperatures and very hard, mineral-rich water, which shapes the requirements of its endemic cichlids.
Tank requirements
- Maximum size: about 8.1 cm (3.2 in) TL (FishBase, Wikipedia)
- Temperature: 23-27 °C (73-81 °F) (FishBase)
- pH: 7.5-9.0 (FishBase)
- dH: 10-25 (FishBase)
- Hard, alkaline, well-oxygenated water
Diet
FishBase reports a trophic level of about 3.5, indicating a predominantly carnivorous, micropredatory diet typical of small Tanganyikan lamprologines. In aquaria these fish accept small frozen and prepared foods.
Compatibility
Brichardi-group cichlids are generally peaceful community members of Tanganyika displays but become territorial around their breeding sites. They are kept with other open-water and rock-dwelling Tanganyikans rather than with aggressive Rift Lake species.
Breeding
The Brichardi group is known for colonial, cave- and crevice-spawning behaviour in which older offspring help guard younger fry. FishBase notes high population resilience with a short minimum doubling time, consistent with frequent spawning.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Least Concern. FishBase records low vulnerability to fishing.