Lamprologus Lemairii

Datasheet

General Description

Lemaire's Lamprologus, scientifically known as Lamprologus lemairii, is a highly piscivorous cichlid species that is not suitable for typical aquarium settings. It exhibits ambush predator behavior, often camouflaging itself around rocky structures or on the lake bed, appearing motionless to deceive its prey. With a mottled color pattern, this sedentary species engages in thanatosis, pretending to be dead to surprise unsuspecting prey.

Aquarium Setup

An aquarium for L. lemairii should ideally have a sandy substrate and rock piles, resembling a typical Tanganyikan setup. The recommended tank size is a minimum of 200 litres, with water conditions maintained at a pH of 7.5-9.0, a temperature range of 23-27°C, and a water hardness of 10-25°dH (see table).

Behaviour

Due to its predatory nature, Lemaire's Lamprologus should only share the tank with robust, larger species that cannot be preyed upon. It prefers solitary living, emulating its behavior in the wild. Suitable tankmates include Frontosa, Benthochromis tricoti, and other large Rift Lake species.

Feeding and Diet

Being an exclusive piscivore in its natural habitat, L. lemairii readily accepts dead foods in aquariums without the need for live fish. A meaty diet consisting of prawns, lancefish, and whitebait is recommended, while animal meat should not be fed to this species.

Reproduction & Dimorphism

This species has not been successfully bred in captivity but is known to spawn in caves in its natural environment. Lemaire's Lamprologus cannot be easily distinguished by external features in terms of sexual dimorphism.

Habitat and Distribution

Endemic to Lake Tanganyika, Lemaire's Lamprologus is mostly observed in the shorelines of the lake, without a specific habitat preference.