Caudopunctatus Cichlid (Neolamprologus caudopunctatus)
| Caudopunctatus Cichlid Neolamprologus caudopunctatus | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Name | Caudopunctatus Cichlid |
| Name Lat. | Neolamprologus caudopunctatus |
| Synonym | Lamprologus caudopunctatus |
| Family | Cichlids |
| Family lat. | Cichlidae |
| Order | Cichlids |
| Order lat. | Cichliformes |
| Origin | Lake Tanganyika |
| Habitat | Intermediate zone |
| Diet | Carnivore |
| pH | 7.5-9.0 |
| Behavior | Semi-aggressive |
| Keeping | Pair, group |
| Care Level | Moderate |
| Reproduction | Cave spawner |
| Breeding | Moderately difficult |
| Life Span | 6-8 years |
| Protection | No |
| Metric Units | |
| Size | 6-7 cm |
| Temperature | 24-28 °C |
| Hardness | 15-18 °dH |
| Aquarium | ~ 120 l |
| US Units | |
| Size | 2.4"-2.8" |
| Temperature | 75-82 °F |
| Hardness | 267-320 ppm |
| Aquarium | ~ 30 gal |
Distribution and habitat
The yellowfin cichlids occur exclusively (endemically) in the south of Lake Tanganyika on the coast of Zambia, where they live in colonies. They usually stay near the bottom, in the transition area from the rocky to the sandy littoral, up to 20 m depth.
Maintenance
The aquarium should be structured with sturdy rock structures and roots, have numerous caves, crevices and shelters that provide hiding places as well as open areas with a substrate of fine, light sand and adequate swimming space.
No ammonia, ammonium or nitrite should be detectable, and the nitrate value should not exceed 100 mg/l. To ensure the water quality and oxygen content, a filter and heater adapted to the aquarium size is required, as well as lighting for the species-appropriate day-night rhythm of the animals.
Diet
In the wild they feed mainly on small crustaceans, insect larvae and plankton. The food supply consists of live, frozen and dry food. For a balanced diet, feed once a day with a high-quality dry food for Tanganyika cichlids (flakes, granules, pellets) as well as cyclops, daphnia, artemia, mosquito larvae, plankton, etc. (live or frozen)
It is recommended to feed small portions several times a day. Only feed as much as will be eaten within a few minutes. A regular and varied diet promotes health and prevents deficiency symptoms.
Behaviour and compatibility
It is recommended to keep several pairs of these peaceful cichlids together. Only during the breeding season they occupy small territories, which they defend. Keeping several pairs is only recommended in a larger and richly structured tank. They can be well socialized with other peaceful, not too large cichlids from Lake Tanganyika.
Basically, only compatible fish species with similar demands on water condition and water temperature should be socialized.
Sex dimorphism
The sexes are difficult to distinguish. Adult males are slightly larger than the females.
Reproduction and breeding
They are mating substrate spawners, spawning in sheltered sandy hollows or burrows, occasionally in large empty snail shells. The female performs brood care while the male defends the territory. The fry hatch after 2-3 days and swim freely after 6-8 days. They are cared for by the parents for another 1-2 weeks before brood care ends.
Fry must be fed several times a day with special rearing food (Artemia nauplii). In community tanks breeding is hardly possible, because the fry are easy prey.
Important
In their range they have produced some color variants
The well-being of the fish should be checked regularly. Temperature should be checked daily, pH, hardness and nitrate levels at least fortnightly. Regular partial water changes are recommended, even if the contaminant level has not yet reached the upper limit. Sudden changes in water quality should be avoided. Newly introduced fish must be accustomed slowly to the water in the aquarium.
Further literature can be found in your pet store.
References
Text: Werner Winter; Image: petdata
Source: BMELV (1998): Tierschutzgutachten - Haltung von Zierfischen (Süßwasser); RIEHL & BAENSCH (2004): Aquarien Atlas Bd. 3, Mergus Verlag; ENGELMANN (2005): Zootierhaltung - Tiere in menschlicher Obhut: Fische, Verlag Harri Deutsch
- Gemäß § 21 Abs. 5 Tierschutzgesetz idgF