Lyretail Lamprologus

Common name: Lyretail Lamprologus Scientific name: Lamprologus Brichardi. Designation: Tropical. Geographical distribution: Lake Tanganyika, East Africa Size: Around 10 cm (4 in). Water preferences: Medium to hard, alkaline water between 23-28 degree C or 73.5-82 degree F

Habitat

It inhabits east and west coast of Lake Tanganyika in East Africa.

Diet

This fish is basically omnivorous. Most foods are accepted by it, particularly live foods. It feeds on granular foods, flakes and live or frozen foods.

Breeding

Eggs are laid in a cavity and are protected by both parents which also guard the fry. The eggs can take up to eight days to hatch and can look infertile (cloudy) during this time.

Description

Lamprologus Brichardi and the other popular species, Lamprologus leleupi, arepetricolous spawners (they spawn on a rock surface). Other species like Lamprologus tetracanthus spawn in depressions excavated in the substratum, i.e. they are are nicolous, whilestill others, e.g. Lamprologus ornatipinnis, spawn inside shells. These are said to be ostracophiles.

All Lamprologus species are aggressive to a greater or lesser extent when they reach adulthood.

Physical Characteristics

Lyretail Lamprologus is a fish that is elongated and has a ‘lyretail’. Caudal fins have exceptionally long tips. Color of the body is creamy-white to beige. It has spots on the rear part of the body that are yellow in color. Its eye is of dark blue color and a dark bar can be seen running from the eye back to the gill cover. Just above this mark, there is a golden spot. The edges of fins are of blue-white color.

Compatibility

Lyretail Lamprologus is not made for the community tank. It is better to keep this fish with similar Tanganyikan chichlids.

Tank Set Up

A tank which measures 30 inches or 75 cms is required which has the capacity to hold 20-25 gallons or 75-98 liters of water. In the tank use a rocky set up along with some, crevices, tunnels and caves. Use of a coral sand substrate should be made. Swimming areas should be left open. Companions suggested to be kept in its tank are Julidochromis, Cyprichromis, Aulonocara, Rainbowfish, Neolamprologus, Synodontis, Lamprichthys and Lamprologus.

Social Behavior

Lyretail Lamprologus is a fish that has a peaceful temperament. It likes to form schools when it is outside of spawning times. It offers retreat so that shelter can be found by alienated fish. During the spawning season, occurrence of pairing can be seen. Lyretail Lamprologus forms a nuclear family.

Lyretail Lamprologus was amongst the first chichlid of Africa which was imported for the aquarium hobby. It is a cave breeder so, it must be taken care that their tank contains stones and caves in good amount for their spawning. It was imported for the first time in the seventh decade of the last century. It doesn’t give a tough time where care is concerned. Just make proper sized aquarium and the right tank mates available to this fish and it will remain happy and keep you happy as well. It is also noteworthy that it doesn’t harm fish from its own group.