Altolamprologus calvus

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Pearly Lamprologus Calvus
Pearly Lamprologus
Species	Altolamprologus calvus
Difficulty	Moderate
Min. Tank Size	113.562 liters 113,562.353 mL 30 US Gallons (113.6L)
Size	12.7 cm 3-5 " (7.6-12.7cm)
pH	7.5 - 9.0
Temp.	296.15 K 73.4 °F 533.07 °R 300.15 K 80.6 °F 540.27 °R23 -27 °C (73.4-80.6°F)
Water Hardness	5-20
Stocking Ratio	1:1 M:F
Availability	Uncommon
Diet	Carnivore Pellet Foods Flake Foods Live Foods
Life Span	10-15 years

[edit] Alternative names

Pearly Lamprologus, Calvus, Pearly Compressiceps

[edit] Other Scientific Names

Lamprologus calvus

[edit] Sexing

Next to impossible in juvenile fish, but adults show an easily identifiable sexual dimorphism. When full grown the female is only 2/3 the size of a full grown male. The males also have slightly more elongated finnage.

[edit] Tank Level

Although the calvus will move to all parts of the aquarium, it mainly inhabits the lower and middle sections of the tank.

[edit] Diet

In the wild the Calvus feeds on the fry of other fish, and invertebrates. In the aquarium the Calvus should have a diet that is high in protein. They will accept flakes, pellets and live food rather readily.

[edit] Feeding regime

Feed once or twice per day, skipping on day per week. When they are full they will stop eating any food, figure out how much they eat through trial and error and feed only that much.

[edit] Environment Specifics

Provide plenty of rock structures for the fish to stake out its territory. Will use large shells if they are provided.

[edit] Behaviour

Not aggressive towards other tank mates, making them well suited for the Tanganyikan community setup. They will hold there own, but may become aggressive towards others of the same species. Can be shy, but if a good dither fish is present, they will feel more comfortable.

[edit] Identification

A vertically compressed body, dark vertical strips with white "sparkles" scattering the body. Many geographical color morphs are available.

[edit] Pictures

Female Altolamprologus calvus with Cuckoo Synodontis

[edit] External links

• Fishbase
• Mongabay