Lamprologus Callipterus

Datasheet

General Description

Lamprologus Callipterus, commonly known as L. callipterus, is a species of cichlid characterized by its large size, with males reaching up to 15.0cm in length and exhibiting significant sexual dimorphism, as males can weigh over 20 times more than females. Endemic to Lake Tanganyika, these fish inhabit the transition zone where rocky shores meet open waters, usually among scattered piles of rocks. They boast a unique breeding behavior where males create massive spawning nests using hundreds of snail shells, reflecting their territorial and aggressive nature.

Aquarium Setup

To keep L. callipterus, an aquarium setup of at least 80 litres is recommended, with hard and alkaline water conditions and temperatures ranging between 24-27°C. The tank should have piles of rocks for hiding spots, leaving open water areas between them. The substrate should be sandy, and the open spaces scattered with empty snail shells.

Behaviour

Males of L. callipterus are known to be territorial and aggressive, requiring ample space if more than one is kept in the tank. They should ideally be housed with tankmates of similar size, such as Altolamprologus or larger Julidochromis species, which occupy different areas of the aquarium. Interestingly, males display aggressive behavior towards conspecifics and even refrain from eating while protecting brooding females, ultimately becoming vulnerable to stronger fish taking over their territories.

Feeding and Diet

These cichlids are omnivores and will accept a variety of foods, but live and frozen options should make up the majority of their diet. Providing a well-rounded diet is essential for their health and vitality.

Reproduction & Dimorphism

L. callipterus is a polygamous shell brooder, with dominant males commanding harems of up to 30 females. Females lay eggs in snail shells, which the males fertilize. The significant sexual dimorphism in size is attributed to their unique breeding behavior, where males need to be large enough to move the snail shells while females must be small enough to fit inside them. Upon spawning, the male guards the territory while the female tends to the eggs until they hatch.

Habitat and Distribution

Endemic to Lake Tanganyika, L. callipterus thrives in areas along the rocky shores transitioning to open waters, characterized by scattered piles of rocks. This species prefers hard and alkaline water conditions, reflecting the natural habitat of its native environment.