Obscurus Cichlid

Geographic Origin and Biotope: Lake Tanganyika (Moba and Kapampa area). Frequents the intermediate sandy-rocky bottoms where it tirelessly digs complex networks of tunnels (craters) right at the foot of large boulders.

Taxonomy and Morphology: Obscure Cichlid (Neolamprologus obscurus). Stocky cichlid, powerful jaws to move small stones (pit-builder) and large black eyes.

Social Behavior: Maniacal digger. More than free swimming, it is dedicated to bottom engineering. Creates real trench condominiums dug under the stones. Extremely bellicose towards intruders approaching its "bunker".

Coloration and Sexual Dimorphism: "Stealth" livery. Mud/ochre colored body marked by irregular vertical black bands. On the head, the blue iridescences or bright spots (often a bright cobalt blue under the eyes and on fins) form a beautiful contrast with the dark coat ("obscurus"). Males are noticeably more imposing.

Aquarium Setup: Miner's tank (100 cm / 40 inches). Base of rocks resting DIRECTLY ON THE BOTTOM GLASS (mandatory!), surrounded by a very high bed of coral sand (at least 8-10 cm / 3-4 inches). It will transform the flat tank into a lunar landscape.

Diet and Feeding: Benthophage and Carnivore. Feeds on larvae and invertebrates extracted by digging. Prefers sinking protein flakes, granules and bloodworms. Will totally ignore foods and flakes on the surface.

Water Quality: Strict Tanganyika chemistry. The aragonite on the bottom will not only allow digging without skin abrasions, but will act as a vital buffer to keep the pH at 8.5.

Compatibility and Tankmates: Absolutely do not insert other digging or benthic Cichlids (e.g. Julidochromis, Neolamprologus spp.) in tanks under 150 cm (60 inches) or they will challenge each other to death. Excellent surface tenants to animate the tank are pelagic Cichlids (Paracyprichromis).

Aquarium Reproduction: Harem colonial. A male defends a large den where several females live together caring for their own fry (extended family). Eggs attached to the ceilings of the tunnels.

Risks and Diseases: Anoxic pocket toxicity. The greatest danger for him and for the aquarium is that his deep excavations release bubbles of hydrogen sulfide (lethal) created in the dead zones under the stones if the sand is never siphoned or has too fine/silty grain.