Neolamprologus Boulengeri

Datasheet

General Description

Neolamprologus boulengeri, a member of the Cichlidae family, is a cichlid species endemic to Lake Tanganyika. It can reach a maximum size of 6.5cm and is commonly found along the Tanzanian shoreline in the northern part of the lake. The species distinguishes itself from similar counterparts through features such as an orange border on its dorsal and anal fins.

Aquarium Setup

When setting up an aquarium for Neolamprologus boulengeri, it is crucial to provide a minimum tank size of 40 litres. The tank should have a deep substrate of at least 2 inches to accommodate the species' digging behavior. Additionally, the water conditions must be hard and alkaline, with a pH range of 7.5-9.0 and a temperature between 24-27°C. Large open areas with sandy substrate are recommended, along with a generous amount of empty snail shells for the fish to inhabit.

Behaviour

Neolamprologus boulengeri is known to be a territorial species that fiercely defends its shell and small territory. While it can coexist with other species in the aquarium, it is advisable to pair it with fish that inhabit different areas to prevent territorial disputes. In communal settings, the species may form colonies, with males staking out territories of about 12" x 12". It is essential to provide adequate space and ensure a higher female to male ratio when keeping them in groups.

Feeding and Diet

The diet of Neolamprologus boulengeri primarily consists of live and frozen foods, although they also accept dried varieties. Offering a varied diet that includes live and frozen options is essential for their overall health and well-being in the aquarium setting.

Reproduction & Dimorphism

Breeding Neolamprologus boulengeri is relatively straightforward, as they are shell brooders. Providing snail shells in the tank for egg-laying is crucial, with optimal water conditions being hard and alkaline. Males create territories with multiple shells where females lay eggs. The breeding process involves intricate behaviors such as courtship displays, egg fertilization, and parental protection of the brood. Sexual dimorphism is challenging to determine physically, but males typically exhibit larger sizes and more frequent display behaviors compared to females.

Habitat and Distribution

In their natural habitat, Neolamprologus boulengeri inhabits areas around the Tanganyika shoreline characterized by scattered rocks, open sand regions, and empty snail shells in the substrate. Their distribution is limited to the Tanzanian shoreline in the northern region of Lake Tanganyika.