Fork Tailed Lamprologus (Neolamprologus furcifer)
| Fork Tailed Lamprologus Neolamprologus furcifer | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Name | Fork Tailed Lamprologus |
| Name Lat. | Neolamprologus furcifer |
| Synonym | Lamprologus furcifer |
| 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 | Individual, pair |
| Care Level | Moderate |
| Reproduction | Cave spawner |
| Breeding | Moderately difficult |
| Life Span | 6-8 years |
| Protection | No |
| Metric Units | |
| Size | 13-15 cm |
| Temperature | 24-28 °C |
| Hardness | 15-18 °dH |
| Aquarium | ~ 350 l |
| US Units | |
| Size | 5"-6" |
| Temperature | 75-82 °F |
| Hardness | 267-320 ppm |
| Aquarium | ~ 90 gal |
Distribution and habitat
The Deep Forked Lamprologus are found exclusively (endemically) in the southwest of Lake Tanganyika. They live in the rugged rocky littoral with sandy bottoms, where they prefer to stay in dark crevices and caves.
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 adequate swimming space and a light-colored substrate of fine sand.
No ammonia, ammonium and nitrite should be detectable, the nitrate value should not exceed 100 mg/l. To ensure the water quality and the oxygen content, a filter adapted to the aquarium size and a heater are 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 and insect larvae. 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 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 should be kept in pairs. Males are very territorial within the species and should not be kept together with other Neolamprologus species. Keeping multiple pairs is only recommended in a much larger and richly structured tank. They can be socialized with other robust Lake Tanganyika cichlids.
Basically, only compatible fish species with similar demands on water condition and water temperature may be socialized.
Sex dimorphism
The sexes are difficult to distinguish. Adult males are slightly larger than females and develop a fat hump on the back of the head as they age.
Reproduction and breeding
They are cave breeders and usually attach the spawn to the cave ceiling or walls. The female performs brood care, while the male defends the territory. The fry hatch after 2-3 days and swim free after 6-8 days. They are cared for by the parents for some time 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
They often stand vertically or upside down and occasionally swim belly up.
In their range they have produced differently colored site variants.
The well-being of the fish should be monitored regularly. Temperature should be checked daily, pH, hardness and nitrate levels at least fortnightly. Regular partial water changes are recommended, even when contaminant levels have 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); BAENSCH & RIEHL (2004): Aquarien Atlas Bd. 2, Mergus Verlag; ENGELMANN (2005): Zootierhaltung - Tiere in menschlicher Obhut: Fische, Verlag Harri Deutsch
- Gemäß § 21 Abs. 5 Tierschutzgesetz idgF