Readhead Lamprologus (Neolamprologus falcicula)
| Readhead Lamprologus Neolamprologus falcicula | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Name | Readhead Lamprologus |
| Name Lat. | Neolamprologus falcicula |
| Synonym | Lamprologus falcicula |
| Family | Cichlids |
| Family lat. | Cichlidae |
| Order | Cichlids |
| Order lat. | Cichliformes |
| Origin | Lake Tanganyika |
| Habitat | Rocky habitat |
| Diet | Carnivore |
| pH | 7.5-9.0 |
| Behavior | 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 Red-headed Lamprologus are exclusively (endemic) distributed on the east coast of Lake Tanganyika, between Magara (Burundi) and Samazi (Tanzania). They prefer to live near the bottom, in the transitional zone from rocky to sandy littoral, up to 10 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 and plankton (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 form large territories and behave very territorial within the species. Keeping several 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. After that they are cared for by the parents for a short time before the 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 its range there are some differently colored site 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 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: petdata
Source: BMELV (1998): Tierschutzgutachten - Haltung von Zierfischen (Süßwasser); BAENSCH & RIEHL (1997): Aquarien Atlas Bd. 5, Mergus Verlag; ENGELMANN (2005): Zootierhaltung - Tiere in menschlicher Obhut: Fische, Verlag Harri Deutsch
- Gemäß § 21 Abs. 5 Tierschutzgesetz idgF