Lamprologus congoensis

Congo Lamprologus

Classification

Cichlidae

Distribution

Republic of Congo, Democratic Republic of Congo. It is found in the Upper Congo, Matadi, Stanley Pool and Stanley Falls areas of the Congo River.

Habitat

It inhabits fast-moving areas of the river. The water in these habitats has a high oxygen content.

Maximum Standard Length

6″ (15cm)

Aquarium SizeTop ↑

48″ x 12″ x 15″ (120cm x 30cm x 45cm) – 160 litres. The width of the tank is far more important than the height.

Maintenance

As mentioned above, the aquarium should have as large a ‘footprint’ as possible. A sandy substrate is preferable and hiding places should be provided in the form of smooth rocks arranged to form caves. Driftwood branches can also be used. Relatively strong water flow is also preferred by this species and we suggest the use of a small powerhead or internal pump. The water should be well oxygenated.

Water Conditions

Temperature: 73-77°F (23-25°C)

pH: 6.0-7.5

Hardness: 5-15°H

Diet

L. congoensis will accept most foods offered but live and frozen varieties should form the bulk of the diet.

Behaviour and CompatibilityTop ↑

An aggressive, territorial species that can be combined with other species requiring similar conditions, if sufficient space is provided. Good tankmates include some Alestiid tetras, Chaetostoma sp., some of the larger characins and barbs and rheophilic Synodontis species such as S. brichardi. It should not be kept with any other Cichlids. Male fish are aggressive toward conspecifics and a large tank with many hiding places is required if more than one male is to be kept. Several females can be kept together with no problems.

Sexual Dimorphism

Adult male fish are larger and more colourful. They also develop a prominent nuchial hump as they mature.

Reproduction

Possible. Polygamous cave spawner. The aquarium should be set up as described above and no other species should be included. Water parameters of 75-77°F, pH 6.5-7.0 are ideal. This species is polygamous, so a harem of several females should be provided for the male. The fish should be conditioned on a varied diet of live and frozen foods.

Each female will select a cave and defend it against other females. When a female is in spawning condition she will display to the male and try to make him enter her cave. If she is successful, the pair will spawn inside the cave, with the female laying up to 80 eggs, usually on the wall or roof of it. The eggs hatch in 2-3 days and the female picks up the fry in her mouth and spits them onto the floor of the cave. The fry become free swimming after another week or so and can then be fed micrworm or brine shrimp nauplii. During the brooding period the female remains in the cave, protecting the young, while the male defends the entire area occupied by the harem.

NotesTop ↑

An interesting species which resembles the popular Steatocranus species, both physically and in lifestyle. It has several physiological adaptations to allow it to live in rapids and fast-moving waters. The body is very streamlined, with strong pectoral fins. The swimbladder is also modified, being much reduced in size. This makes the fish less buoyant and thus less likely to be swept away by strong currents. In the aquarium it spends most of its time on the substrate, where it swims in a comically jerky fashion.