Common Name: Gold Head Compressiceps Cichlid
Scientific Name: Altolamprologus compressiceps
Other Names: Compressiceps, Lamprologus compressiceps
The Gold Head Compressiceps Cichlid is a wild-caught color form of the compressiceps cichlid from Lake Tanganyika. Compressiceps cichlids have an extremely thin, laterally compressed body and a tall, spiny dorsal fin, which let them slip into narrow crevices to hunt. Like many Lake Tanganyika cichlids, it has a distinctive shape and fascinating behavior that make it a favorite with African cichlid keepers.
Habitat and Distribution:
Altolamprologus compressiceps is native to Lake Tanganyika in East Africa, where it lives among rocks and rubble along the shoreline. Lake Tanganyika is one of the largest and deepest lakes in the world, and its water is warm, hard and alkaline, with very stable conditions.
Size and Lifespan:
Males reach about 5-6 inches (13-15 cm), and females stay smaller. Lifespan in captivity is not well documented for this species, but with good care it can be expected to live for many years.
Diet and Behavior:
It is carnivorous and feeds on small shrimp, invertebrates and fry in the wild. In the aquarium, offer frozen mysis, krill and brine shrimp plus quality pellets. It is semi-aggressive and a slow, deliberate predator that eats fry and very small fish, but it is usually fine with similar-sized Tanganyikans. Feed a varied diet and remove uneaten food promptly to protect water quality.
Breeding and Reproduction:
Female compressiceps lay their eggs in a narrow crevice or shell that only they can fit into, and the male guards the area outside. This makes them rewarding but slow breeders in the aquarium.
Aquarium Care and Tank Requirements:
A tank of at least 55 gallons is recommended. The aquarium should include plenty of rockwork with caves and crevices, a sand substrate and efficient filtration. Stable, hard, alkaline water is important, and regular water changes help keep nitrate low. The water temperature should be kept between 75-80°F (24-27°C), with a pH of 7.8-9.0 and moderately hard to hard water. New arrivals should be acclimated slowly.
Ideal Tank Mates:
Good tank mates include other Tanganyikan cichlids of similar size and temperament, such as larger Neolamprologus, Julidochromis and featherfins. Avoid very small fish and fry, which will be eaten. As with any aquarium, introduce new fish carefully and watch for signs of stress or aggression.
Difficulty Level:
Intermediate. It is hardy, provided it has stable, hard, alkaline water. It is well suited to aquarists with some experience who can maintain stable water conditions.
Water Parameters:
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Temperature: 75-80°F (24-27°C)
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pH: 7.8-9.0
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General Hardness (GH): 12-20 dGH
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Carbonate Hardness (KH): 10-18 dKH
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Ammonia: 0 ppm
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Nitrite: 0 ppm
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Nitrate: <20 ppm (regular water changes required)
Additional Information:
- It is a slow, deliberate predator that eats fry and very small fish.
- Provide rockwork with narrow crevices and a few empty shells.
- Fun fact: Its extremely thin body lets it slip into narrow rock crevices to hunt.
The Gold Head Compressiceps Cichlid is a unique, deliberate predator for Tanganyikan aquariums. With the right setup and care, it will be a rewarding addition for many years.
