Compressicep Cichlid (Altolamprologus compressiceps)
| Compressicep Cichlid Altolamprologus compressiceps | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Name | Compressicep Cichlid |
| Name Lat. | Altolamprologus compressiceps |
| Synonym | Lamprologus compressiceps |
| Family | Cichlids |
| Family lat. | Cichlidae |
| Order | Cichlids |
| Order lat. | Cichliformes |
| Origin | Lake Tanganyika |
| Habitat | Rocky habitat |
| Diet | Carnivore |
| pH | 7.5-9.0 |
| Behavior | Semi-aggressive |
| Keeping | Pair |
| Care Level | Moderate |
| Reproduction | Cave spawner |
| Breeding | Moderately difficult |
| Life Span | 6-8 years |
| Protection | No |
| Metric Units | |
| Size | 12 cm |
| Temperature | 24-28 °C |
| Hardness | 15-18 °dH |
| Aquarium | ~ 200 l |
| US Units | |
| Size | 4.7" |
| Temperature | 75-82 °F |
| Hardness | 267-320 ppm |
| Aquarium | ~ 50 gal |
Distribution and habitat
Nander cichlids are found exclusively (endemically) in Lake Tanganyika, where they are widespread throughout the lake. They live in near shore rock and scree zones between stones and over free sandy areas. Some site variants are known, which differ in their coloration.
Maintenance
The aquarium setup should have rocky structures that reach the water surface, with plenty of crevices, caves and shelters to provide hiding places, as well as sturdy plants and some open sandy areas
There should be no detectable ammonia, ammonium or nitrite, and the nitrate level 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 shrimp and small crustaceans and small fish. 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 daphnia, artemia, mysis, shrimp and mosquito larvae (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
They are basically peaceful fish that should be kept in pairs. The males behave dominantly towards the females. During the breeding season they defend their territory emphatically. Keeping several animals is only recommended in a much larger, richly structured aquarium. Socialization with other Lake Tanganyika cichlids is well possible. Fish that are too small are considered food
Basically, only compatible fish species with similar demands on water condition and water temperature may be socialized.
Sex dimorphism
The males grow larger than the females and have longer extended fins. With some experience they can also be distinguished by their genital papilla, which is pointed in the male and wider in the female.
Reproduction and breeding
They are pair-building cave breeders. The female spawns up to 300 eggs in a cave, a narrow crevice or in an empty snail shell into which she barely fits. The male guards the territory while the female cares for the brood. After 2-3 days the fry hatch and swim free after 5-7 days, whereupon brood care ends. The fry grow very slowly. 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
Their flat physique allows them to forage in narrow crevices (shrimp, crabs, fish spawn), but they can also retreat from enemies into narrow crevices at lightning speed.
Different site varieties or breeding forms of Nander cichlids should not be kept together, as they may interbreed. Nander cichlids (Altolamprologus compressiceps) can be confused with guinea fowl cichlids (Altolamprologus calvus), but these have a more elongated, flatter build and are not scaled on the top of the head
The well-being of the fish should be monitored regularly. Temperature should be checked daily, pH, hardness and nitrate levels at least every 14 days. 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: Franz Lowak
Source: BMELV (1998): Tierschutzgutachten - Haltung von Zierfischen (Süßwasser); RIEHL & BAENSCH (2006): Aquarien Atlas Bd. 1, Mergus Verlag; ENGELMANN (2005): Zootierhaltung - Tiere in menschlicher Obhut: Fische, Verlag Harri Deutsch
- Gemäß § 21 Abs. 5 Tierschutzgesetz idgF