CICHLIDS OF LAKE TANGANYIKA.
Order Perciformes ( Perciformes )
Family Cichlidae ( Cichlidae )
Subfamily ( Pseudocrenilabrinae )
Genus Limnochromis.
Medium-sized cichlids, up to 15-20 cm in length. The body is elongated and moderately compressed laterally. Sexual dimorphism is absent. Usually, these fish inhabit areas near the bottom covered with silt, sometimes up to a meter thick. Limnochromis dig a large number of tunnels that serve both as spawning sites and safe shelters. These underground systems form a rather complex labyrinth from which the “builder of this structure” can easily escape if a water cobra or another piscivorous predator enters. The depth of such tunnels can reach 1 meter, and the tunnel is so narrow that only a single specimen can squeeze through it with some difficulty. The following genera have been separated from the genus Limnochromis: Triglachromis, Cyprichromis, Gnathochromis, Tangachromis, and Greenwoodochromis.
— Limnochromis abeelei [Poll, 1949] — Limnochromis abeelei. Lake Tanganyika. 20 cm. Predator. They behave timidly and hide in tunnels or other substrate openings at the slightest sign of danger. They dig a large number of tunnels in the bottom substrate, which serve as both spawning sites and safe shelters. These underground communications form a rather complex labyrinth from which it can easily escape if a water cobra or another piscivorous predator enters. The depth of such tunnels can reach 1 meter, and the tunnel is so narrow that only a single specimen can squeeze through it with difficulty.
— Limnochromis auritus [Boulenger, 1901] — Spangled Cichlid. Synonym: Paratilapia aurita. (Eng.: Spangled Cichlid). Lake Tanganyika, sandy and rocky biotopes. 12-15 cm. The body is elongated. These cichlids have large eyes, which may have evolved due to poor visibility at great depths. Mouth is straight. Silver to blue with 3-4 dark spots on the back. Pelvic fins are slightly elongated. Unpaired fins have blue dots, the dorsal fin has a reddish border, and the anal fin has a bluish border. Sexual dimorphism is weak.
Bottom-dwelling cichlids. The aquarium should have plenty of open water, a bottom of fine or medium sand with various caves. These fish usually dig burrows in the substrate and use them both as shelters and for spawning. Several ceramic pipes up to 50 cm long and 5 cm in diameter, piled with stones, will create a suitable simulation of natural burrows. It is best to place all decorations on the bare glass bottom so that the fish cannot undermine them.
They like to spend a long time in shelters. Although the fish do not damage plants, they may uproot them during their “excavation” work. This species readily accepts Artemia, mosquito larvae, Cyclops, Daphnia, and flake food. Both parents take part in brood care. Rather difficult to breed in captivity.
— Limnochromis staneri [Poll, 1949] — Limnochromis staneri. Lake Tanganyika, limited distribution in the southern half of the lake along the coast of Zambia. 20 cm. Vertical stripes run along the body. In captivity, it is best to keep fish in pairs in an aquarium of 450 liters or more, selecting a pair from a group of young fish. This is a fairly territorial species; do not keep with smaller species, as they will be eaten. A calm and relatively slow-moving cichlid. Sand substrate with a 2 cm layer.
Place ceramic pipes about 40 cm long on the bottom, as well as several large stones to create shelters. Dim lighting is preferred. Requires high water quality and optimal filtration. Feeds on fish, crustaceans, snails, as well as live and dry aquarium foods. The male and female build a large nest 20 cm deep, 30 cm wide, and 10 cm high. In nature, these fish live in tunnels made in the muddy bottom. The eggs are incubated alternately in the mouths of both parents. pH 7.5-9.5; T 24-27°C.
Identification: Limnochromis staneri.
Genus description Neolamprologus, Neolamprologus bifasciatus.
Lepidiolamprologus meeli, nkambae, pleuromaculatus. 
