Neolamprologus leleupi

Neolamprologus leleupi
Conservation status
Least Concern  (IUCN 3.1)[1]
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Animalia
Phylum:	Chordata
Class:	Actinopterygii
Order:	Perciformes
Family:	Cichlidae
Subfamily:	Pseudocrenilabrinae
Tribe:	Lamprologini
Genus:	Neolamprologus
Species:	N. leleupi
Binomial name
Neolamprologus leleupi (Poll, 1956)

Neolamprologus leleupi, also known as Lemon Cichlid, is a species of cichlid endemic to Lake Tanganyika where it occurs throughout the lake. It is a recess-dweller, inhabiting cracks and crevices. It feeds on invertebrates living in the rich biocover of the substrate. This species reaches a length of 10 centimetres (3.9 in) TL.^[2] The color of this fish ranges from bright yellow to deep brown depending on which area of the lake it is from. This relatively small cichlid is a substrate spawner (cave spawner). This fish is easily confused with the very similar N. longior (Staeck, 1980) a fish also endemic to Lake Tanganyika.

Aquarium keeping

This fish is relatively simple to keep, as long as water values are kept constant and the aquarium is more than 80 cm (31.5 in) long and containing over 130 liters (34 US gallons) of water. It is relatively aggressive towards its own kind, and any other fish that comes into its territory. N. leleupi is dependent on rock formations to feel secure and to be able to make a home in the tank. They are omnivorous and will accept most commercial foods, live foods or homemade shrimp mixtures.

The water mass in Lake Tanganyika is huge and very stable. The low exchange of water and the local geology makes the water quite alkaline and it contains a lot of dissolved salts. It is recommended to copy the local water chemistry if keeping fishes from the great African lakes. Recommended water values: pH: 8 - 9, water hardness, (dH), from 10° to 20° and temperature between 23 and 26 °C (74–78 °F). Ammonia and nitrites have to be kept close to zero. It is possible to wean the fish on to tap water - treated for chlorine if it does contain chlorine, but this has to be done gradually and with caution.

If given enough hiding space and recesses a pair will easily spawn. A pair is easiest to get from a group of about six juveniles. After a while in the tank a breeding pair will form and defend a territory. At this time they can be very aggressive. The spawning takes place inside a cave where the eggs are laid. The parents provide some parental care.

See also

• List of freshwater aquarium fish species

References