Neolamprologus pulcher- Neolamprologus pulcher distribution
Family: Cichlidae;
Genus: Neolamprologus;
Species and synonyms: Neolamprologus pulcher (Neolamprologus pulcher, Lamprologus savoryi pulcher, Lamprologus pulcher, Daffodil Cichlid, Fairy Cichlid, Princess Cichlid, Lyretail Cichlid).
GBIF:
Neolamprologus pulcher (lat. Neolamprologus pulcher) is a species of ray-finned fish from the order Cichliformes, family Cichlidae, genus Neolamprologus. Endemic to Lake Tanganyika in East Africa, one of the most popular representatives of Tanganyikan cichlids.
Distribution. Neolamprologus pulcher is endemic to Lake Tanganyika, found mainly in its southern part, off the coast of Zambia and the Democratic Republic of the Congo. The species prefers rocky areas at depths from 3 to 40 meters, with an abundance of stones, crevices and caves where the fish find shelter and spawning sites. Depending on the region of the lake, populations may differ in coloration and behavior.
Care requirements. Neolamprologus pulcher is one of the most popular Tanganyikan cichlids due to its peaceful nature and striking coloration. For keeping a pair or a group, an aquarium of 100 liters for a pair and from 200 liters for a colony is recommended. Numerous shelters made of stones, grottoes, caves are placed on the bottom, and sandy substrate is also used. Optimal water parameters: temperature 24–28°C, hardness 8–25 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. Adults reach a length of 8–10 cm. Lifespan with good care is 8–10 years.
Neolamprologus pulcher is a cichlid with a pronounced social structure. The fish form stable pairs that remain monogamous for life. Breeding leads to the formation of hierarchical groups where the breeding pair dominates, and other individuals (usually juveniles from previous broods) help guard the eggs and fry. Spawning occurs in caves or crevices, where the female lays up to 50–100 eggs. The female guards the eggs, the male patrols the territory. The incubation period lasts about 3–4 days, after another 5–7 days the fry begin to swim freely. Fry are fed brine shrimp nauplii and fine dry food. The young grow slowly, reaching sexual maturity by 8–12 months.
In the wild, Neolamprologus pulcher feeds on plankton and small invertebrates, which it collects from the water column. The fish show pronounced sexual dimorphism: males are larger and slimmer, with more developed fins, especially the caudal fin, which has a lyre-shaped form; females are smaller, with a more rounded abdomen. Coloration varies depending on the region, but usually includes an olive-yellow body with a bluish sheen, yellow fins with a blue edge and characteristic blue spots on the gill covers. Various color variations: from yellowish-green to more orange or golden (for example, "Daffodil"). For its bright coloration and interesting behavior, Neolamprologus pulcher is often called the "Daffodil Princess" or "Fairy".
Neolamprologus pulcher is a relatively peaceful cichlid that coexists with other Tanganyikan cichlids of comparable size, such as altolamprologus, calamoichthys, as well as other neolamprologus. It is not recommended to keep with small and slow-moving fish, as well as with aggressive species. When creating optimal conditions and proper neighbors, Neolamprologus pulcher becomes a true decoration of any aquarium.
Neolamprologus similis