Altolamprologus Calvus

Altolamprologus Calvus

Altolamprologus calvus

Advanced Freshwater Stealthy predator with an extremely laterally compressed body. Shy and slow‑growing. Uses its slender body to slip into rock crevices and capture prey. Cichlidae
Max Size 14.0 cm (5.5")
Min Tank 200 L (53 gal)
Min Group 1+
Diet Carnivore. Feed with brine shrimp, mysis, krill and carnivore pellets. In the wild, uses compressed body to invade crevices and eat fry and invertebrates.

Water Parameters

Temperature
24.0-27.0°C
75-81°F
pH
7.8-9.0
Hardness (dGH)
10.0-25.0
Min Tank Size
200 L
53 gal

About

Unique cichlid with an extremely laterally compressed body and tall profile. Color varieties include black, white, and yellow depending on locality.

Behavior & Temperament

Stealthy predator with an extremely laterally compressed body. Shy and slow‑growing. Uses its slender body to slip into rock crevices and capture prey.

Feeding

Carnivore. Feed with brine shrimp, mysis, krill and carnivore pellets. In the wild, uses compressed body to invade crevices and eat fry and invertebrates.

Breeding

Cavity spawner. Female deposits eggs in shells or narrow crevices. Very slow growth; may take 3–4 years to reach adult size.

Care Notes

Very slow growth, requires patience. Feed several times a day. Tankmates should not be overly competitive for food. Many rocky crevices.

Compatibility

Compatible with most Tanganyika cichlids. Avoid very active or aggressive species that compete for food. Good combination with Julidochromis and shell dwellers.

Quick Summary

Scientific NameAltolamprologus calvus
FamilyCichlidae
CategoryFish
Care LevelAdvanced
Water TypeFreshwater
Max Size14.0 cm (5.5")
Min Tank200 L (53 gal)
Min Group1+
DietCarnivore. Feed with brine shrimp, mysis, krill and carnivore pellets. In the wild, uses compressed body to invade crevices and eat fry and invertebrates.
TemperamentStealthy predator with an extremely laterally compressed body. Shy and slow‑growing. Uses its slender body to slip into rock crevices and capture prey.

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