Common Name: Elongate Lamprologus Cichlid
Scientific Name: Lepidiolamprologus elongatus
Other Names: Elongate Cichlid, L. elongatus
The Elongate Lamprologus Cichlid is a striking freshwater fish known for its elongated body and vibrant coloration. This species typically features a silvery body with dark vertical stripes that run along its length, giving it a sleek and elegant appearance. The fins are often highlighted with blue or yellow hues, adding to its visual appeal.
Habitat and Distribution:
The Elongate Lamprologus Cichlid is native to Lake Tanganyika in East Africa, specifically found in the countries of Zambia, Tanzania, Burundi, and the Democratic Republic of Congo. They inhabit rocky shorelines and intermediate zones with both rocky and sandy substrates. These environments provide numerous hiding spots and territories essential for their social structure and breeding habits.
Size and Lifespan:
In both the wild and captivity, Elongate Lamprologus Cichlids can grow up to 10-12 inches (25-30 cm) in length. With proper care, their lifespan can range from 8 to 10 years, depending on the quality of their diet and water conditions.
Diet and Behavior:
Elongate Lamprologus Cichlids are carnivorous, feeding primarily on small fish and invertebrates in their natural habitat. In an aquarium, their diet should include high-quality carnivorous pellets, live or frozen foods such as brine shrimp, bloodworms, and small pieces of fish. These cichlids are known for their aggressive and territorial behavior, especially during breeding. They require plenty of hiding spots and well-defined territories to reduce aggression. It is recommended to keep them with other robust and similarly sized fish that can hold their own against the cichlid's territorial nature.
Breeding and Reproduction:
Breeding Elongate Lamprologus Cichlids in captivity is possible but can be challenging due to their aggressive nature. They are substrate spawners, typically laying eggs in crevices or caves. The male guards the territory aggressively, while the female tends to the eggs and fry. To encourage breeding, provide plenty of hiding spots and caves, maintain optimal water conditions, and feed a varied diet to enhance their health and breeding readiness. Successful breeding usually requires a large, well-maintained tank with specific water parameters.
Aquarium Care and Tank Requirements:
Due to their size and territorial nature, Elongate Lamprologus Cichlids require a large aquarium, with a minimum of 75 gallons recommended for a pair. The tank should have a rocky setup with plenty of caves and hiding spots to mimic their natural habitat and reduce stress. A sandy substrate is preferred to protect their delicate fins. Efficient filtration and regular water changes are essential to maintain water quality, as these fish produce a significant amount of waste. The water temperature should be kept between 75-80°F (24-27°C), with a pH of 7.8-9.0 and hard water conditions.
Ideal Tank Mates:
Elongate Lamprologus Cichlids can be kept with other large, robust fish that share similar water parameter requirements. Suitable tank mates include other large Lake Tanganyika cichlids and robust catfish species. Avoid housing them with small or delicate species that may become targets of aggression or predation.
Difficulty Level:
Advanced. Keeping Elongate Lamprologus Cichlids requires a deep understanding of their needs, including their large size, territorial behavior, and specific water quality requirements. They are best suited for experienced aquarists with the space and resources to provide proper care.
Water Parameters:
-
Temperature: 75-80°F (24-27°C)
-
pH: 7.8-9.0
-
General Hardness (GH): 10-20 dGH
-
Carbonate Hardness (KH): 8-15 dKH
-
Ammonia: 0 ppm (ideal)
-
Nitrite: 0 ppm (ideal)
-
Nitrate: <20 ppm (ideal)
Additional Information:
- The Elongate Lamprologus Cichlid’s sleek body and vibrant coloration make it a striking addition to any large aquarium.
- They are known for their aggressive and territorial nature, requiring a carefully planned tank setup to minimize conflicts.
- Fun fact: Elongate Lamprologus Cichlids are one of the larger cichlid species found in Lake Tanganyika, and their predatory nature makes them fascinating to observe.
