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Lake Tanganyika cichlids — species, locations & maps

Lake Tanganyika cichlids — species, locations & maps
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Neolamprologus helianthus.jpg Neolamprologus helianthus 'Kamakonde'.jpg
Previous pageNeolamprologus helianthus 'Kamakonde'
Tribe / Genus: Lamprologini / Neolamprologus
Type locality: Kamakonde (Democratic Republic of Congo)
Biotope: Steep, shallow rocky habitat close to the shore. Occurs at depths of about 2–7 m. Unlike colonial “princess” species such as Neolamprologus brichardi and N. pulcher, this species does not form large colonies.
Geographic distribution: Occurs along the Lake Tanganyika shoreline between the Lunangwa River and Kalo. According to some sources, the confirmed distribution may be restricted to a narrow coastal band north of the Lunangwa River, while the related Neolamprologus splendens occurs farther north.
Typical adult size: Up to about 7 cm total length in the lake; aquarium specimens may reach approximately 8–9 cm.
Sexual dimorphism: Weak. Males and females are externally very similar, males being slightly larger on average.
Recommended aquarium size: Around 100 L for one male with one or two females.
Aquarium setup: Provide abundant rockwork forming caves and narrow passages, with fine sand on the bottom. Can be kept as a pair or one male with two females. In larger aquaria, several individuals may be kept, each defending a small territory centered around its own shelter.
Diet: Carnivorous. Feeds mainly on small invertebrates such as insects, crustaceans and copepods. Stomach analyses also revealed a minor component of vegetal matter, including diatoms and blue or green algae. In aquarium, accepts quality commercial foods as well as live and frozen offerings.
Breeding: Substrate spawner breeding throughout the year. Pair bonds are loose; each sex occupies and defends its own crevice, with the male visiting the female only during spawning. Clutch size is very small compared to colonial “princess” species. Juveniles show a spotted pattern that fades with age.
Aggression: Generally mild within the species. Toward other species, aggression is mostly limited to territorial defense and protection of fry.
Special notes: Neolamprologus helianthus belongs to the Neolamprologus savoryi complex and was described by Brichard in 1997. Its taxonomic status is debated, as some authors consider it conspecific with Neolamprologus splendens. However, it can be readily distinguished by its light yellow to orange coloration, whereas N. splendens is much darker, ranging from violet to almost black. The trade name Neolamprologus “Kijumba” refers to this species and does not represent a distinct taxon.

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Photo: © Imrich Cichlid Fuljer
Photo: © Imrich Cichlid Fuljer
Photo: © Imrich Cichlid Fuljer
Photo: © Imrich Cichlid Fuljer
Photo: © M. Kwolek-Mirek
Photo: © Sale Sesetdevet
Photo: © Sale Sesetdevet
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Lake Tanganyika cichlids — species, locations & maps.
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