Lestradea perspicax
Classification
Cichlidae
Distribution
Endemic to the northern end of Lake Tanganyika.
Habitat
It inhabits areas of shallow water with sandy substrates.
Maximum Standard Length
5.4″ (13.5cm)
Aquarium SizeTop ↑
48″ x 12″ x 12″ (120cm x 30cm x 30cm) – 110 litres.
Maintenance
Set up the aquarium with large piles of rocks arranged to form caves, large areas of open water for swimming and a sandy substrate, as this species tends to sift through the substrate looking for food.
Water Conditions
Temperature: 75-81°F (24-27°C)
pH: 7.8-9.0
Hardness: 8-25°H
Diet
L. perspicax will accept most foods offered but live and frozen varieties should form the bulk of the diet.
Behaviour and CompatibilityTop ↑
Very peaceful. Do not keep with boisterous species such as Mbuna. Good tankmates include Julidochromis, Neolamprologus and Xenotilapia species.
Sexual Dimorphism
Tricky to sex. Males grow slightly larger than females and have two distinct lines on the dorsal fin. Females usually have only one line.
Reproduction
Not achieved in aquaria but is known to be a maternal mouthbrooder in nature.
NotesTop ↑
There is some confusion regarding the taxonomy of this species and its congener L. stappersi. L. stappersi was originally regarded as a subspecies of perspicax but is now considered a distinct species. It is not often seen in the hobby.
