Neolamprologus Buescheri

Geographic Origin and Biotope: Lake Tanganyika (Endemic). Strictly inhabits the rocky zone in depth (rupicolous habitat). Swims close to the ceilings of caves in darkness to avoid large predators.

Taxonomy and Morphology: Striped Lamprologus (Neolamprologus buescheri). Siluriform rupicolous cichlid. The body is tubular to slip into crevices, the mouth is equipped with sharp teeth.

Social Behavior: Solitary and ruthless specter. Unlike the "brichardis", it is intolerant of its own kind. Tolerates only the partner of the opposite sex, slaughtering brothers and congeners. Tends to swim upside down adhering to the rock.

Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: Fascinating mask. Cream/brown body dominated by 2 or 3 vigorous interrupted very black horizontal bands, with turquoise margins on the fins (Kamakonde or Kachese variants differ in intensity). Males slightly longer.

Aquarium Setup: Tanganyika Biotope. Dedicated 80-100 cm (32-40 inches) tank. No plants (useless). Mountains of calcareous rocks stacked to form innumerable blind, very narrow and dark caves. Bottom in very fine coral sand (aragonite).

Diet and Feeding: Fierce micropredator (Carnivore). In nature it detaches crustaceans from rocks in dim light. Feed with Mysis, Brine Shrimp and Cyclops. Strictly avoid vegetable feeds.

Water Quality: Tanganyika chemistry mandatory. Very hard water (GH 15-20), extreme alkalinity (pH 8.5) and oxygenation levels at the maximum (Surface skimmer recommended).

Compatibility and Tankmates: Highly problematic. Putting a small group in a tank, they will massacre each other until one or a pair remains. Coexists only with Julidochromis or Altolamprologus in tanks over 150 cm (60 inches).

Aquarium Reproduction: Spawning in hidden crevices. The female attaches tiny eggs on the ceiling of a dark cave. The parents fiercely defend the young, who often help defend successive broods before being chased away.

Risks and Diseases: Intrafamilial violence. The male can get tired of the female and corner her in a blind cave, biting her to death in a few hours. It is mandatory to provide escape routes (hidden PVC pipes) accessible only to the female (smaller).