Orange Lamprologus, lat. Neolamprologus leleupi- Neolamprologus leleupi distribution
Family: Cichlidae;
Genus: Neolamprologus;
Species and synonyms: Orange Lamprologus (Neolamprologus leleupi, Lamprologus leleupi, Lemon Cichlid, Leleupi Cichlid).
GBIF:
Orange Lamprologus (lat. Neolamprologus leleupi) is a species of ray-finned fish from the order Cichliformes, family Cichlidae, genus Neolamprologus. An endemic of Lake Tanganyika in East Africa, one of the brightest and most popular cichlids of the lake.
Distribution. Neolamprologus leleupi is endemic to Lake Tanganyika, where it is found along rocky shores throughout the lake. Prefers rocky biotopes with clean, well-oxygenated water at depths from 2 to 40 meters. Various color variations are confined to specific coastal areas. It has been recorded as an introduced species in some countries.
Care requirements. The Orange Lamprologus is a cichlid that grows up to 8–10 cm in the aquarium. To keep a pair or a small group, an aquarium of at least 100 liters with a length of 80 cm is recommended. Optimal water parameters: temperature 24–27°C, hardness 8–25 dGH, pH 7.5–9.0. Powerful filtration, good aeration and weekly water changes of 20–25% are necessary. Large stones forming shelters and caves, and sandy or fine gravel substrate are placed at the bottom.
Orange Lamprologus are predatory fish, feeding on small invertebrates and insect larvae in the wild. In the aquarium, their diet should consist of high-quality pellets for cichlids, live and frozen foods (bloodworms, brine shrimp, daphnia, cyclops). It is important to vary the diet and provide protein-rich food. Feed should be 2–3 times a day in small portions.
In the aquarium, Orange Lamprologus are active in the middle and lower water layers. They are territorial and can show aggression towards conspecifics and other fish, especially during spawning. It is recommended to keep them in pairs or in groups with one male and several females. Recommended tankmates include other Tanganyikan cichlids of comparable size (e.g., Julidochromis, Altolamprologus). It is not recommended to keep them with small or slow-moving fish.
Breeding in home aquariums is possible under proper conditions. Orange Lamprologus are substrate spawners: they lay eggs in caves or under rocks. They reach sexual maturity at 10–12 months. To stimulate spawning, water changes with fresh water and a temperature increase of 1–2°C are recommended. The male and female form a stable pair and jointly care for the offspring. Fry are fed Artemia nauplii, microworms and fine dry food.
Orange Lamprologus is known for several color variations, the most popular of which are bright orange, yellow and brownish. All forms have a characteristic elongated body with a large head and large eyes. Life expectancy is 8–12 years.
Lamprologus meleagris