Lake Tanganyika Cichlids

Published A Few Days Ago
ADVERTISEMENT
fast facts

About Lake Tanganyika Cichlids

Aquarium Size
Medium, Large
Difficulty Of Care
Weekly
Group
Freshwater
Size
Small-Extra-Large
Suitable Tank Mates
Best Kept Singly or as a Pair; May be Kept with Non-Conspecific Lake Tanganyika Cichlids
Swimming Region
Mid-Range
Temperament
Semi-Aggressive
Fish Water Condition
Warm, Slightly Hard, Neutral to Alkaline Water
ADVERTISEMENT

Lake Tanganyika Cichlids General Description

It is estimated that 98% of all Lake Tanganyika cichlids are endemic to the lake. The largest genus of Lake Tanganyika cichlid is the Tropheus genus, though there are also numerous Goby Cichlids and cichlids from other genuses including Neolamprologus, Julidochromis, Cyprichromis, and Altolamprologus. Though the details vary from one species to another, most Lake Tanganyika cichlids are aggressive fish that should be housed separately or as a breeding pair. It is sometimes possible to keep different types of Lake Tanganyika cichlid together in a very large tank as long as they are not conspecific.

With more than 250 species of cichlid living in Lake Tanganyika, these fish exhibit a wide variety of colors and patterns.

Origins

Lake Tanganyika is one of the African Great Lakes and it is the second largest body of water in the world as well as the second deepest. This lake is home to at least 250 different species of cichlid as well as 75 other species.

Color

With more than 250 species of cichlid living in Lake Tanganyika, these fish exhibit a wide variety of colors and patterns. Some of the colors you may see in these cichlids include red, yellow, blue, green, black, and brown. Many Lake Tanganyika cichlids exhibit splotches of color on the sides with or without dark vertical bars or white spotting.

Maintenance and Care

ADVERTISEMENT

Because most Lake Tanganyika cichlids are endemic to the lake, they all have similar requirements in terms of water chemistry and tank conditions. The average water temperature in Lake Tanganyika is about 76°F to 78°F with a water hardness between 10 and 12 dH. The pH range for the lake is generally between 7.5 and 9.3. Like most African cichlids, Lake Tanganyika cichlids prefer a tank with sand substrate decorated with rocks and cave formations. If you are keeping multiple species together, be sure to include plenty of hiding places as well as tall decorations to break up sight lines and to divide the tank into territories.

Like most African cichlids, Lake Tanganyika cichlids prefer a tank with sand substrate decorated with rocks and cave formations.

Feeding

Lake Tanganyika cichlids are largely omnivorous so they will feed on a variety of foods including algae, plant matter, insects, and crustaceans in the wild. In the home aquarium these fish should be offered high-quality commercial flakes, pellets, and granules as well as fresh and frozen foods like earthworms, bring shrimp, and blood worms.

Also read:6 Popular Aquarium Fish You Need To Avoid

Breeding Info

Lake Tanganyika cichlids are egg layers but different species exhibit different breeding habits. Some species spawn over flat rocks or broad-leafed plants while others dig holes into the substrate or deposit their eggs in caves. Many Lake Tanganyika cichlids exhibit mouth brooding behavior as well, taking the fertilized eggs into their mouths to incubate until hatching. It is also common for these cichlids to exhibit parental care after hatching.

Aquarium Varieties

There are more than 250 species of Lake Tanganyika cichlid which have been identified but some of the most popular species for the aquarium trade include the following:

    Photo credit: Neryx/Bigstock; scorpion26/Bigstock

    ADVERTISEMENT

    ADVERTISEMENT

    You May Like

    Top 10 Dog Toys For Aggressive Chewers

    Tired of hearing that toys are indestructible and your heavy chewer won’t destroy them in 2.5 seconds, only to find out that they most certainly did? W…

    Pet Flipping – The New “In” Thing in Crime

    Youve heard of House Flipping now get ready for Pet Flipping. People are actually stealing dogs from families and selling them on the Internet.

    Dorgi

    The Dorgi is a cross between a purebred Corgi and Dachshund. This crossbreed is intelligent, and it is usually easy to train.

    Hear Doggy! Martian Dog Toy Contest

    We love how cute and quiet the Hear Doggy! Martian Dog Toys are. And that''s why we''re giving away a pair to one lucky dog in our very first dog toy contest!

    Lime Crime’s Kitty Bundles Lipstick is Purr-fection!

    Lime Crime''s purrrrfect new product line, Kitty Bundles, might be made for humans, but proceeds from this lipstick go to support cats in need!

    Best Heated Beds for Dogs

    Whether it''s cold weather or senior years, a warm bed comes in handy. These are top 15 best heated beds for dogs that will keep any fur baby warm and comfy!

    Hiking Hounds: Why Hiking Backpacks for Dogs Help Lighten the Load

    A hiking we will go! Whether you and your pooch are heading out for a hike or roughing it, a dog backpack will allow you to share the load.

    Beauceroodle

    The Beauceroodle is a high-energy combination of the hypoallergenic, family friendly Standard Poodle and the loyal and loving Beauceron.

    Understanding Lyme Disease Symptoms in Dogs

    Ticks are harbingers of disease and illness. During tick season, be on the lookout for these Lyme Disease symptoms in dogs.

    A Lab And Her Leaves: This Is What Pure Joy Looks Like [Video]

    Forget Pumpkin Spice Lattes… this lovely Lab knows how to do Fall up right! Are you still mourning the end of summer? Well, we’ve got just the t…

    Is a Dog’s Mouth Really Cleaner Than a Human’s?

    You''ve seen the things that have gone into your dog''s mouth - that''s why it''s hard to believe that a dog''s mouth is really cleaner than a human''s mouth.

    Adoptable Dog of the Week – Bluebelle

    Blooming beauty Bluebelle is our Adoptable Dog of the Week. Hailing from Decatur, Illinois, Bluebelle is an adult English Bulldog with swagger to spare.

    Continental Giant Rabbit

    The Continental Giant Rabbit is of the oldest and largest rabbit breeds. This rabbit breed is intelligent, friendly, and easy to train.

    Keeping Your Cat Stress-Free This New Year’s Eve

    Even though New Year’s Eve is a fun-filled night for you, your cat might feel differently about it.

    Perro De Presa Canario

    The Perro de Presa Canario was bred for strength and a muscular build. They may look intimidating, but this dog can be calm and obedient with training.