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Lake Tanganyika cichlids — species, locations & maps

Lake Tanganyika cichlids — species, locations & maps
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Neolamprologus mondabu 'Karago'.jpg Neolamprologus mondabu 'Katabe Bay'.jpg Neolamprologus mondabu 'Katonga'.jpg Neolamprologus mondabu 'Kibige Island'.jpg Neolamprologus mondabu 'Kigoma'.jpg
Previous pageNext pageNeolamprologus mondabu 'Katonga'
Tribe / Genus: Lamprologini / Neolamprologus
Type locality: Kaboge, Lake Tanganyika.
Biotope: Rocky and intermediate habitats.
Geographic distribution: Widely distributed in the northern part of Lake Tanganyika. In the Democratic Republic of Congo it occurs from Uvira southwards to the Lunangwa River. The species is also present along the Burundian shoreline in the north of the lake. Further south, its distribution continues along the Tanzanian coast down to Segunga.
Typical adult size: Up to approximately 12 cm total length.
Sexual dimorphism: No clear sexual dimorphism, except that males are larger than females.
Recommended aquarium size: At least 200 liters for a formed pair; larger aquaria are recommended for community setups.
Aquarium setup: The aquarium should contain several larger rock structures forming caves and territories, combined with a bottom layer of fine sand. Although generally calmer than the more slender Neolamprologus christyi, this species defends its territory vigorously, especially while guarding eggs and fry.
Diet: Carnivorous. Feeds mainly on various invertebrates and occasionally on small snails. According to Ad Konings (2015), eggs of the killifish Lamprichthys tanganicanus may also form part of the natural diet.
Breeding: Breeds throughout the year and is highly prolific, with clutches ranging from approximately 200 to 500 eggs. According to Ad Konings (2015), males often live in harems with two to five females. In aquarium conditions, the species usually forms pairs, with the male being relatively tolerant toward the female.
Aggression: Considerably calmer than Neolamprologus christyi, but nevertheless strongly territorial, especially during breeding and while guarding eggs and fry.
Special notes: This species was long considered a synonym of Neolamprologus modestus, as both are very similar in body shape, coloration, behavior, and habitat. The most reliable distinguishing character is the shape of the caudal fin: in N. mondabu it is pointed and triangular, sometimes nearly straight, but never rounded as in N. modestus.
Poll (1978) additionally noted that small spots present on the caudal, anal, and dorsal fins of N. modestus are never observed in N. mondabu.
Neolamprologus mondabu is also similar to N. christyi and N. sp. 'eseki', but differs by having a much less pronounced crescent-shaped caudal fin with only short extensions. The caudal fin is always pointed, never rounded.

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Photo: © Stephane le Gall
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Lake Tanganyika cichlids — species, locations & maps.
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