LAKE TANGANYIKA CICHLIDS.
Order Perciformes ( Perciformes )
Family Cichlidae ( Cichlidae )
Subfamily ( Pseudocrenilabrinae )
Genus Lepidiolamprologus.
Medium-sized cichlids measuring between 15 and 32 cm with an elongated, low body. Large mouth with conical teeth, sharp teeth in the upper and lower jaws curved inwards. Central teeth are strengthened to catch prey. All members of the genus spawn on a substrate, with eggs usually laid in hidden places. The genus includes only species endemic to Lake Tanganyika.
— Lepidiolamprologus attenuatus [Steindachner, 1909]. Synonym: Lamprologus attenuatus, pleurostigma. (Eng: Marbled Lamprologus). Lake Tanganyika. Reaches 15 cm, being one of the smallest species in the genus Lepidiolamprologus. Females usually do not grow larger than 12 cm. Distinctive features of this species include: • an elongated body; • pointed ends of the soft-rayed parts of unpaired fins; • upper and lower parts of the caudal fin are not pointed, while the middle part has a shallow inward notch. The caudal fin is rounded at the edges and bent inward in the center.
Cichlids of this species are distinguished from others by the presence of a large dark spot in the middle part of the body and smaller spots in the middle and dorsal parts, as well as a large number of silvery-blue glossy dots on the body. Dark spots on the body can merge into one large spot depending on mood. In addition, a large number of silvery-gray spots are scattered across the body. Races of L. attenuatus from the southern parts of the lake have a higher amount of yellow pigment and were previously confused with Neolamprologus pleuromaculatus. These species are quite easy to distinguish — the latter has a larger head and features a black-and-white stripe in the dorsal fin, which L. attenuatus lacks.
The aquarium should have shelters such as caves and crevices between rocks, with fine river sand as a substrate. The fish are indifferent to plants, and small thickets serve as shelter for subdominant individuals and juveniles. A predator that will eat anything that fits in its mouth, so they should be kept with fish of matching size and temperament. They exhibit strong intraspecific aggression. This species prefers to spawn in caves.
Before spawning, a pair clears a groove-like depression in the substrate between stones; eggs are laid on the side walls of this groove, formed by closely placed rocks between which the depression is made. The fry stay in the immediate vicinity of this territory. Before the next spawning, the parents chase away older fry and may even kill or eat their grown offspring during pursuit. They feed on small fish, crustaceans, insect larvae, and other organisms.
— Lepidiolamprologus boulengeri [Steindachner, 1909]. Synonym: Lamprologus boulengeri, kiritvaithai, Julidochromis, Neolamprologus boulengeri. (Eng: Boulenger’s Cichlid). Eastern coast of Lake Tanganyika in the Kigoma region (Tanzania). Reaches 7 cm, females usually 4.5 cm. Both sexes in captivity usually grow larger. Distinctive features of this species include: • elongated, deep body; • small rounded head with a slightly elevated mouth; • rounded anal and dorsal fins and pointed ventral fins; • caudal fin with a straight contour and rounded endings; • prominent dark pattern on a light brown body.
Body coloration is beige-brown with a light belly area, partially silvery. There are dark brown spots on the body located in the upper region — from the lateral line to the base of the dorsal fin. Body coloration consists of light, brown, and large yellowish spots with a violet sheen on the flanks. It has a distinct yellow to orange border on the unpaired fins. The caudal and pectoral fins are transparent. They have a distinctive large dark spot in the middle area of the dorsal fin. The upper lip is blue, and a thin blue line runs from the corner of the mouth to the lower edge of the gill cover.
Nests are built in shells. The presence of shells for spawning is not strictly necessary; ceramic tubes or pots can be used as dwellings. The bottom is best made of fine river sand. A single male is capable of spawning with a whole harem (3-4) of females. The male digs a large pit in the soft sand within his territory where shells lie, which he buries in a specific position. Males and juveniles usually live near the bottom, using their camouflage coloration for protection against predators.
A peaceful species, aggressive only during the spawning period towards intruders. In a community aquarium with Tanganyika cichlids, it can successfully stand up to much larger fish. It differs from other representatives of the genus in that it does not spend all its time inside a shell, but mainly moves around the territory centered on its shell. It keeps a large area around the shell under strict control. Recommended for keeping in an aquarium with large, strictly territorial representatives of the genera Neolamprologus, Telmatochromis, and other members of the genus Lepidiolamprologus.
However, they can also be kept in general aquariums with other peaceful species given adequate volume and enough hiding places. Plants will not be damaged by the fish and often serve as shelter for the fry. Artemia, shrimp meat, insect larvae, and cyclops (live or frozen) can be used as food. Any dry flake or pellet food is also suitable. T 24-27°C; pH 7.3-8.8; dH up to 25°.
— Lepidiolamprologus elongatus [Boulenger, 1898]. (Eng: Elongated Lepidiolamprologus). Quite large cichlids, typical predators with well-developed teeth. Reaches 20 cm, females rarely exceed 16 cm. The body is extremely elongated. Distinctive features of this cichlid species include: • long, elongated body; • rounded soft-rayed parts of unpaired fins and always pointed ventral fins; • slightly inward-curved caudal fin.
Unpaired fins are rounded, ventral fins are pointed. On the flanks of these cichlids, there are four rows of silvery-white dotted lines. In the middle of the body and the lower part of the dorsal fin, there are dark spots, partially rounded. In coloration, it resembles L. kendalli, but is much larger and lacks head patterns.
The aquarium must have a sufficient number of shelters, caves, and crevices between rocks; the bottom is best covered with fine river sand. Fish are indifferent to plants, and small thickets serve as shelter for subdominant individuals and juveniles. For keeping a pair of fish, an aquarium with a bottom surface of at least 0.75 sq. meters is sufficient. They exhibit strong intraspecific aggression. Males and females are about equally aggressive. Given the mutual aggression, it is best to keep this fish alone.
They usually stay close to rocks to hide among them at the slightest threat. They feed on small fish, crustaceans, and insect larvae. As predators, adults try to attack any suitably sized aquatic life. Prefers spawning in shelters. The fry are cared for by both parents and “hover” over the nest, remaining under parental care for a fairly long time (until the next clutch or longer). They live up to 10 years.
Lepidiolamprologus hecqui, kendalli, lemairii.
Lamprologus speciosus, Lamprologus stappersi. 
