Furcifer Cichlid (Neolamprologus furcifer) Care Guide
Neolamprologus furcifer is a forked-tailed Tanganyika cichlid that lives solitarily in dark rock crevices and caves.
Compiled by Aquairi from published sources · Published · Updated
Overview
Neolamprologus furcifer is a distinctive cichlid endemic to Lake Tanganyika, named for its deeply forked tail. It lives solitarily in lightless cracks, crevices and caves, and was described by Boulenger in 1898 (formerly Lamprologus furcifer). It is a sought-after species in the hobby.
Taxonomy
- Family: Cichlidae
- Genus: Neolamprologus
- Scientific name: Neolamprologus furcifer
- Common synonyms: Lamprologus furcifer
Habitat
Lakewide in distribution, it prefers dark recesses within the rocky biotope. FishBase classes it as a freshwater, benthopelagic species of tropical waters around 23-25 °C, often nocturnal and shade-loving.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 300 L (79 gal)
- Temperature: 24-27 °C (75-81 °F)
- pH: 8.5-9.2
- GH: 12-25 °dGH
- Rockwork with overhangs and dark caves
- Lifespan: 8-12 years
Provide rock structures with overhangs and shaded caves. FishBase lists a wild temperature near 23-25 °C; the parameters above follow the verified care record for hard, alkaline Rift-lake water.
Diet
A carnivore. FishBase reports it feeds on macro-invertebrates such as crustaceans and insect larvae found in rock crevices, with a trophic level around 3.4. In the aquarium it accepts meaty frozen and prepared foods fed about twice daily.
Compatibility
Semi-aggressive and bottom-oriented, mostly solitary. It suits Tanganyika tanks with open-water Cyprichromis and Julidochromis. Avoid mbuna and Tropheus.
Breeding
A cave spawner that uses crevices and overhangs as breeding sites. It is considered an advanced species to breed, reflecting its specialised, secretive habits.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Least Concern (assessed 2025), per FishBase.
Breeding Neolamprologus furcifer
Overview
Neolamprologus furcifer is a distinctive Lamprologine from Lake Tanganyika with a deeply forked tail, reaching about 15 cm (average around 13 cm). It lives among rocky overhangs. According to AquaInfo, males are polygamous and maintain a harem of five or six females, and it is considered a demanding species best suited to experienced keepers.
Sexing
Within the harem structure dominant males are larger and hold territory over several females. As with related Lamprologines, reliable sexing is subtle and is best confirmed by behaviour within a group.
Conditioning
Provide stable lake-type water. AquaInfo lists a temperature of 25-27 C, a pH of 8.0-8.6 and a hardness of 12-25 GH, with monthly water changes of 20-30%. A varied carnivorous diet keeps adults in condition.
Breeding Setup
AquaInfo recommends a minimum aquarium of about 400 litres (150 cm length) for a breeding pair, and at least 600 litres for multiple pairs. Aquascape with abundant rocks forming caves and crevices to mimic the natural overhang habitat.
Spawning Behavior & Trigger
Eggs are deposited well hidden among the rocks in the centre of the male's territory. The eggs are olive green, about 1.83 mm long and about 1.34 mm in diameter. A spacious rock setup with secure crevices supports spawning.
Egg & Fry Care
The female cares for the eggs and newly hatched young alone. The young remain in the mother's territory for about nine weeks after hatching and begin eating small shrimp around two weeks of age.
Common Challenges
The species is described as difficult to keep, especially for novices, and careful setup with the correct water parameters is essential for success. Adequate space and rockwork are needed to accommodate a polygamous male and his harem without excessive aggression.