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

    This Pawesome Portable Bed Is A Dream Come True for Furry Adventurers

    Designed to enable you to bring comfort with you everywhere you go, Spruce bed doubles as a storage for your pet''s stuff, too.

    Berger Blanc Suisse

    The Berger Blanc Suisse are intelligent, as well as friendly by nature and loyal to their families. A unique breed that makes an excellent family pet.

    Bordernese

    The Bordernese is a cross between a purebred Border Collie and Bernese Mountain Dog. This is a popular breed because of its fantastic personality.

    Best Black Friday 2023 Deals Your Pet Wants You To Buy

    As pet parents, we know it’s those little – and sometimes not so little – extravagances that make it so much fun to have a dog or cat in the house. And of co…

    Giant Mutant Spider Dog Terrifies Victims in Hilarious Prank [Video]

    Watch out for things that go bump in the night… we hear there’s a giant mutant spider dog on the loose! Residents of a town in Poland got the fr…

    Can Dogs Fly On Delta Airlines?

    Read on to learn can dogs fly on Delta Airlines and what you need to know before you embark on a trip with your pet.

    American Standardbred Horse

    The American Standardbred Horse is popular for its beauty, personality, speed, and agility. It''s also known for being a steady, friendly, and calm breed.

    Foxhoodle

    The energetic Foxhoodle brings together the outgoing English Foxhound and the playful Poodle. He loves to be front and center in all family activities.

    Eels

    Eels are one of the more fascinating species of fish in the aquarium trade. They are characterized by their long bodies and snake-like heads.

    Selle Français Horse

    The Selle Franais Horse is also known as the French Saddle Horse. The Selle Franais is considered friendly, patient, and intelligent.

    Boerboel

    A strong and impressive dog, the Boerboel is protective and loyal to his family. The Boerboel can be an awesome guard dog as well as a loving companion.

    6 Jolly Ways Exercise Will Help You Survive The Holi-Dogs

    Merry Skijormas! Kevin Roberts serves up a few bright tips on how to make the most of the holidays – especially when active dogs are part of your festi…

    Ask the Hairy Dogfathers: Poetic Poop

    What''s a bard to do when her kids won''t pick up the dog''s poo? The Hairy Dogfathers put feather-quilled pen to paper in order to offer some refined advice.

    Auss Tzu

    The energetic Auss Tzu is a unique mix of the headstrong little Shih Tzu and the fun-loving Miniature Australian Shepherd.

    Pom Terrier

    The lively and extroverted Pom Terrier is a mix between the feisty Pomeranian and the spirited Toy Fox Terrier, loved for its personality and small stature.