Nigriventris Lamprologus (Neolamprologus nigriventris)
| Nigriventris Lamprologus Neolamprologus nigriventris | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Name | Nigriventris Lamprologus |
| Name Lat. | Neolamprologus nigriventris |
| Family | Cichlids |
| Family lat. | Cichlidae |
| Order | Cichlids |
| Order lat. | Cichliformes |
| Origin | Lake Tanganyika |
| Habitat | Intermediate zone |
| Diet | Carnivore |
| pH | 7.5-9.0 |
| Behavior | ♂ territorial |
| Keeping | Individual, pair |
| Care Level | Difficult |
| Reproduction | Cave spawner |
| Breeding | Difficult |
| Life Span | 6-8 years |
| Protection | No |
| Metric Units | |
| Size | 10-12 cm |
| Temperature | 24-28 °C |
| Hardness | 15-18 °dH |
| Aquarium | ~ 250 l |
| US Units | |
| Size | 4"-5" |
| Temperature | 75-82 °F |
| Hardness | 267-320 ppm |
| Aquarium | ~ 65 gal |
Distribution and habitat
Nigriventris lamprologus are found exclusively (endemically) in the southwest of Lake Tanganyika, on the coast to the Democratic Republic of Congo. They live in the rock and boulder zone with sandy bottoms in 15-45 m depth.
Maintenance
The aquarium setup should have rocky structures that reach the water surface, with plenty of caves, crevices and shelters to provide hiding places, as well as some free sand areas 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 nature they feed mainly on insects, 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
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 the females.
Reproduction and breeding
They are pair-building 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
The well-being of the fish should be checked regularly. The temperature should be checked daily, the pH, hardness and nitrate value at least every 14 days. A regular partial water change is recommended, even if the pollutant load 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); BAENSCH & RIEHL (2004): Aquarien Atlas Bd. 4, Mergus Verlag; ENGELMANN (2005): Zootierhaltung - Tiere in menschlicher Obhut: Fische, Verlag Harri Deutsch
- Gemäß § 21 Abs. 5 Tierschutzgesetz idgF