Lamprologus speciosus
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| Lamprologus speciosus | |
| |
| Lamprologus Speciosus Breeding Pair | |
| Species | Lamprologus Speciosus |
| Difficulty | Moderate |
| Min. Tank Size | 75.708 liters 75,708.236 mL 20 US Gallons (75.7L) |
| Size | 2.362 in
4-6 cm (1.6-2.4") |
| sg | Freshwater |
| pH | 7.4 - 9 |
| Temp. | 296.15 K 73.4 °F 533.07 °R 301.15 K |
| Water Hardness |
7-30 |
| Stocking Ratio | 1:1 M:F |
| Availability | Uncommon |
| Diet | |
| Life Span |
3-5 years |
| Habitat | |
Contents |
[edit] Alternative names
- Black Occy
[edit] Synonyms
- Lamprologus Ocellatus "Black"
[edit] Sexing
- Very difficult to sex visually. Once the Alpha male has been established, sub dominant males can often act like a female. Mature males are larger than females
- Juveniles : Males grow faster and the lips look bigger and thicker. This can be noticed around 3-3.5cm (1.2-1.4") mark.
- Sub-Adults : Females are much more aggressive. When a shell has been chosen, she would never leave that site while the males will often wonder around the tank.
- Females will also turn half orange/yellow (front half of the body) when fighting amongst females and when they are sexually active.
- Males can do this but rarely. The colouration isn't as intense as the female and would only be for a few seconds.
- Generally an adults will attain the following size.
- Males around 6cm
- Females around 4.5cm
[edit] Tank compatibility
- These shelldwelling cichlids display conspecific aggression which is extremely high amongst females. Contrary to popular belief, they are relatively peaceful towards other tankmates, however they will defend their territories aggressively.
[edit] Diet
- Not a fussy eater.
[edit] Feeding regime
- Feed once or twice a day.
[edit] Environment Specifics
- Tanganyikan set up is needed with sandy substrate preferred as they will dig. Sharp substrates should be avoided.
[edit] Behaviour
- Shelldwellers, behaves like other Lamprologus Ocellatus. These fish can be kept as a pair, or in harem as the Alpha male will bond with multiple females.
[edit] Pictures
 Female guarding her fry |
 Female |
 Female |
 Female |
 Male |
 Male |
 Male |
 Female surrounded by males(notice the colouration of the female) |
