Lemon Cichlid
Neolamprologus leleupi
Water Parameters
About
Uniform, bright lemon‑yellow colored cichlid, one of the most attractive from Lake Tanganyika. Small but extremely territorial.
Behavior & Temperament
Territorial and aggressive, especially toward conspecifics. Vigorously defends its rocky cavity. Keep in pairs or individually with other species.
Feeding
Carnivore. Feed with brine shrimp, mysis, krill, cyclops and high-protein pellets. In the wild, hunts invertebrates in rock crevices.
Breeding
Cavity spawner. Deposits 50–100 eggs in a rocky cavity. Both parents aggressively protect the fry. May be aggressive toward tankmates during spawning.
Care Notes
Many rocky crevices for territory. Alkaline and hard water. Keep in naturally formed pairs. Monitor aggression.
Compatibility
Compatible with other Tanganyikan cichlids from different areas. Avoid keeping several males together. A good match with Julidochromis and shell dwellers.
Quick Summary
| Scientific Name | Neolamprologus leleupi |
|---|---|
| Family | Cichlidae |
| Category | Fish |
| Care Level | Intermediate |
| Water Type | Freshwater |
| Max Size | 10.0 cm (3.9") |
| Min Tank | 150 L (40 gal) |
| Min Group | 1+ |
| Diet | Carnivore. Feed with brine shrimp, mysis, krill, cyclops and high-protein pellets. In the wild, hunts invertebrates in rock crevices. |
| Temperament | Territorial and aggressive, especially toward conspecifics. Vigorously defends its rocky cavity. Keep in pairs or individually with other species. |
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