Lemon Cichlid (Neolamprologus leleupi)
| Lemon Cichlid Neolamprologus leleupi | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Name | Lemon Cichlid |
| Name Lat. | Neolamprologus leleupi |
| Family | Cichlids |
| Family lat. | Cichlidae |
| Order | Cichlids |
| Order lat. | Cichliformes |
| Origin | Lake Tanganyika |
| Habitat | Rocky shore |
| 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 | 8-10 cm |
| Temperature | 24-28 °C |
| Hardness | 15-18 °dH |
| Aquarium | ~ 200 l |
| US Units | |
| Size | 3"-4" |
| Temperature | 75-82 °F |
| Hardness | 267-320 ppm |
| Aquarium | ~ 50 gal |
Distribution and habitat
The Tanganyika gold cichlids are found exclusively (endemically) in Lake Tanganyika, where they are distributed in the northwest as well as in the central part. There they live on the shallow coasts in the rugged rocky littoral.
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 and insect larvae. The food supply consists of live, frozen and dry food. For a balanced diet, feed at least 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 occupy territories, which they defend very vigorously against conspecifics. During the breeding season they are also aggressive towards other fish. They should be kept in pairs. Keeping several pairs is only recommended in a much larger and richly structured tank. They can be well socialized with other small and medium sized cichlids from Lake Tanganyika
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 often have a slight forehead hump, a longer ventral fin, and are slightly larger than females.
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 3-4 days and swim free after 8-10 days. Both parents continue to guard the fry 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 have produced some site variations in their range.
The well-being of the fish should be checked regularly. Temperature should be checked daily, pH, hardness and nitrate levels should be checked at least every 14 days. 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); 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