侧扁高身亮丽鱼 · Compressed Cichlid

Overview

Altolamprologus compressiceps is a carnivorous rock-dwelling cichlid from Lake Tanganyika. Its elongated mouth reaches into narrow cracks for prey. A quiet appearance does not imply safety for shrimp or swallowable fishes, even though it can fit a carefully selected Tanganyikan community.

Distribution & habitat

The species is endemic to Lake Tanganyika and widely distributed within it. Its type locality is Mpulungu at the southern end in Zambia, with other localities along Tanzanian, Burundian and Congolese shores. Dense rocky rubble with developed biofilm and little open bottom is typical. Adults mainly occur at depths of ten meters or more, while juveniles use shallower water. An apparent inability to cross broad bare areas may explain its absence from many isolated rocky sites.

Aquarium setup

Provide at least approximately 120 × 45 cm of floor space. Use sand and complex rock piles occupying much of the aquarium, with numerous crevices and retreats. Seat rocks securely on the tank base before adding substrate so digging cannot undermine them. Maintain excellent water quality and carry out weekly changes, potentially up to about half the volume.

Diet & feeding

Natural prey consists chiefly of invertebrates, crustaceans and small fishes. One stomach-content study found more than 80% shrimp. Most captive specimens accept dry foods, but live or frozen bloodworm, brine shrimp, chopped prawn, small earthworms and similar fare are preferable components of the diet. Feeder fish are unnecessary and may introduce pathogens; their nutritional value can also be poor without prior conditioning.

Behaviour & compatibility

A single pair is usually the best arrangement, although groups are possible in larger tanks. Territoriality is not particularly strong, but companions must be too large to count as food. Its animal-rich diet also conflicts with the feeding requirements of cichlids needing low-protein meals.

Sexual dimorphism

Males become substantially larger and develop slightly extended fins at maturity.

Breeding

Spawning takes place on a surface within a narrow rock cavity, often accessible only to the female. The male leaves after fertilization, while the female guards the eggs through an incubation of roughly three to five days. Care ends when the fry swim freely, by which time they can eat brine-shrimp nauplii. Growth is slow, and maturity may take a year or more.

Notes

Locality forms differ in color, and a single population may appear under several trade labels, as with Kigoma “red fin” and “orange top”. Retain collection information and breed populations separately. The small shell-dweller sold as “compressiceps shell” may represent another, undescribed species rather than a miniature form of this one.