Helianthus (Neolamprologus helianthus) Care Guide
Neolamprologus helianthus is a cichlid endemic to Lake Tanganyika. This guide covers its tank requirements, diet, behaviour and breeding.
Overview
Neolamprologus helianthus is a cichlid (family Cichlidae) endemic to Lake Tanganyika in East Africa. FishBase gives a maximum of about 5.7 cm standard length. It is omnivorous (trophic level ~3.
Taxonomy
- Family: Cichlidae
- Scientific name: Neolamprologus helianthus
- Described by: Büscher, 1997
- Other names: Sunflower Lamprologus
It has a yellow to orange-yellow body with V-shaped markings and a lunate (crescent-shaped) caudal fin.
Habitat
Endemic to Lake Tanganyika, occurring north of the Lunangwa River in the DR Congo over shallow rocky habitat at 2-7 m.
Tank requirements
- Minimum tank volume: 150 L (40 gal)
- Adult size: 8-10 cm
- Temperature: 24-27 °C (75-81 °F)
- pH: 8.5-9.2 (hard, alkaline rift-lake water)
- GH: 12-25 °dGH
- Lifespan: 5-8 years
Diet
It is omnivorous (trophic level ~3.4) and maintains close contact with rocky substrate.
Compatibility
Neolamprologus helianthus is a semi-aggressive species that occupies the bottom water layer. In a dedicated Lake Tanganyika community it is typically kept with Cyprichromis, Julidochromis, Other shellies, Synodontis petricola. Avoid combining it with Mbuna, Tropheus, Aggressive haps.
Breeding
It is a pair-bonded cave-spawner.
Conservation status
IUCN Red List: Not Evaluated.