Tembo Lamprologus (Neolamprologus callipterus)
| Tembo Lamprologus Neolamprologus callipterus | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Name | Tembo Lamprologus |
| Name Lat. | Neolamprologus callipterus |
| Synonym | Lamprologus callipterus |
| 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 | Pair, harem |
| Care Level | Moderate |
| Reproduction | Cave spawner |
| Breeding | Moderately difficult |
| Life Span | 6-8 years |
| Protection | No |
| Metric Units | |
| Size | ♀ 6cm, ♂ 15cm |
| Temperature | 24-28 °C |
| Hardness | 15-18 °dH |
| Aquarium | ~ 250 l |
| US Units | |
| Size | ♀ 2.4", ♂ 6" |
| Temperature | 75-82 °F |
| Hardness | 267-320 ppm |
| Aquarium | ~ 65 gal |
Distribution and habitat
Tembo lamprologus are found exclusively (endemically) in Lake Tanganyika, where they are distributed lake-wide. They inhabit the rock transition zone above sandy bottoms with accumulations of empty snail shells (Neothauma snail), which serve as living burrows for the females.
Maintenance
The aquarium should have large free sandy areas, with a fine approx. 6 cm deep bottom substrate of sand suitable for digging and provide sufficient swimming space. For each female there should be some snail shells as living and breeding dens. Stones, roots and plants provide hiding places and serve to separate territories. 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 nature they feed mainly on insects, insect larvae and small crustaceans. 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, 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
This relatively peaceful species should be kept in pairs or in a harem, one male with several females. The males behave aggressively within the species and defend their territory emphatically. Keeping several harems is only recommended in a larger and richly structured tank. They can be socialized well with other Lake Tanganyika cichlids
Basically, only compatible fish species with similar demands on water condition and water temperature may be socialized.
Sex dimorphism
The males are much larger than the thinner and much more contrasting colored females.
Reproduction and breeding
The female buries a snail shell with the opening upwards in the sand, spawns in it (cave breeder) and fans the spawn with its fins sitting in front of the entrance, while the male defends the territory. The fry hatch after 2-3 days and swim free after 7-10 days. They are guarded for some time before the brood care ends
Fry must be fed several times a day with special rearing food (e.g. Artemia nauplii, microworms). In community tanks breeding is hardly possible, because the fry are easy prey.
Important
As a substitute for the shell of the Neothauma snail is suitable, for example, that of the Roman snail. If there are too few snail shells for the fish, they tend to burrow heavily.
The well-being of the fish should be checked 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: petdata; Image: Franz Lowak
Source: BMELV (1998): Tierschutzgutachten - Haltung von Zierfischen (Süßwasser); RIEHL & BAENSCH (2004): Aquarien Atlas Bd. 3, Mergus Verlag; ENGELMANN (2005): Zootierhaltung - Tiere in menschlicher Obhut: Fische, Verlag Harri Deutsch
- Gemäß § 21 Abs. 5 Tierschutzgesetz idgF