Lamprologus ocellatus- Lamprologus ocellatus distribution
Family: Cichlidae;
Genus: Lamprologus;
Species and synonyms: Lamprologus ocellatus (Lamprologus ocellatus, Neolamprologus ocellatus, Golden Lamprologus, Ocellatus Shell Dweller).
GBIF:
Lamprologus ocellatus (lat. Lamprologus ocellatus) is a species of ray-finned fish from the order Cichliformes, family Cichlidae, genus Lamprologus. Endemic to Lake Tanganyika in East Africa.
Distribution. Lamprologus ocellatus is endemic to Lake Tanganyika, one of the oldest lakes in the world, located in East Africa. The species is found throughout the lake, preferring sandy and shell-strewn bottom areas at depths from 1 to 30 meters. The fish inhabit empty snail shells, which serve as shelter and spawning sites.
Care requirements. Lamprologus ocellatus is a dwarf cichlid, growing up to 5–6 cm. For keeping a pair or a small group, an aquarium of 50 liters or more is recommended. Empty snail shells must be placed on the bottom — 2–3 shells per fish. Optimal water parameters: temperature 24–27°C, hardness 8–20 dGH, pH 7.5–9.0. Powerful filtration, aeration and weekly water changes of 20–25% are required. Diet: live and frozen foods (brine shrimp, bloodworms, daphnia, cyclops), as well as high-quality dry flakes and granules with high protein content.
Lamprologus ocellatus are monogamous shell-dwelling cichlids that form stable pairs. Spawning occurs inside the shell, where the female lays up to 20–30 eggs. The female cares for the eggs and fry, remaining at the entrance to the shell, while the male guards the territory. The incubation period lasts about 7–10 days, after another 5–7 days the fry begin to leave the shell and switch to independent feeding. Fry are fed brine shrimp nauplii, microworms and fine dry food. They reach sexual maturity by 8–10 months.
In the wild, Lamprologus ocellatus feeds on small invertebrates, which it digs out of the sand. The fish show pronounced sexual dimorphism: males are larger, with brighter golden-yellow coloration and characteristic eye spots on the sides; females are smaller and more modestly colored. In the aquarium, these fish exhibit pronounced territorial behavior, especially during spawning.
Thanks to their bright coloration, interesting behavior and small size, Lamprologus ocellatus is very popular among aquarists specializing in cichlids from Lake Tanganyika. Due to territoriality, they are not recommended to be kept with peaceful small fish, but only with other Tanganyikan cichlids of comparable size.
There are several color variations of Lamprologus ocellatus, including gold and darker forms. In aquaristics, it is also known as the "golden lamprologus" or "ocellatus shell dweller". Under favorable conditions, the lifespan is 5–8 years.
Lamprologus meleagris