Furcifer Cichlid (Neolamprologus furcifer) Care Guide
Neolamprologus furcifer is a forked-tailed Tanganyika cichlid that lives solitarily in dark rock crevices and caves.
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.