Gold ocellatus - Lamprologus ocellatus

Scientific name: Lamprologus ocellatus

Common name: Gold ocellatus

Family: Cichlidae

Usual size in fish tanks: 5 - 6 cm (1.97 - 2.36 inch)

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Recommended pH range for the species: 8 - 8.9

Recommended water hardness (dGH): 9 - 19°N (160.71 - 339.29ppm)

0°C 32°F30°C 86°F

Recommended temperature: 23 - 25 °C (73.4 - 77°F)

The way how these fish reproduce: Spawning

Where the species comes from: Africa

Temperament to its own species: peaceful

Temperament toward other fish species: peaceful

Usual place in the tank: Middle levels

Origin

The Gold Ocellatus (Lamprologus ocellatus) is native to the African waters of Lake Tanganyika, one of the largest and oldest freshwater lakes in the world. These cichlids occupy the rocky edges of the lake, spending much of their time on sandy substrate areas. In their natural habitat, they utilize empty snail shells scattered across the lakebed for shelter and breeding, a behavior that should be replicated in the aquarium.

Lifespan

With proper care, the Gold Ocellatus can live between 8-10 years in captivity. Ensuring a stable environment, high water quality, and a balanced diet is key to maximizing their lifespan and overall well-being.

Short Description

The Gold Ocellatus is a captivating cichlid species known for its territorial nature and unique behavior. Although not as vibrantly colored as some other cichlids, their pale gold body and subtle blue fin edging make them attractive additions to a freshwater aquarium. They typically grow to a modest size of 5-6 cm (1.97-2.36 inches), making them suitable for medium to large tanks. While generally peaceful, they can become highly aggressive when defending their chosen shells, especially during breeding periods. For this reason, they are best housed in tanks that provide ample hiding spaces and shells.

General Care Tips

Gold Ocellatus cichlids are relatively easy to care for, provided that their specific requirements are met. A minimum tank size of 60 cm (24 inches) in length and 30 cm (12 inches) in width is recommended for a small group consisting of one male and two females. For larger colonies, a proportionately larger tank is necessary to provide adequate space. Use a sandy substrate, as these fish will dig and rearrange their environment. Scatter plenty of empty snail shells across the substrate to allow each fish to select its preferred shelter. Coral sand can be used to help maintain the desired high pH level of 8.0-8.9.

Set up a rock structure at the back of the aquarium to provide hiding spots for tank mates while leaving the front open for swimming. Suitable tank mates should inhabit the rocky areas of the tank and include species such as Julidochromis. Due to their high waste production, invest in a robust filtration system rated for the tank size, and perform weekly water changes to maintain optimal water quality. The water temperature should be kept between 23-25°C (73.4-77°F) with a hardness level ranging from 9-19°N (160.71-339.29 ppm).

Food and Feeding

Gold Ocellatus are not particularly picky eaters and can be fed a diet of high-quality flake or small cichlid pellets. To keep them in optimal health, supplement their diet with live or frozen meaty foods such as chopped earthworms, bloodworms, or brine shrimp. Feeding a varied diet will help enhance their coloration and support their overall well-being. Offer food in small amounts 2-3 times daily to prevent overfeeding and maintain water quality.

Sexing

Sexing Gold Ocellatus is relatively straightforward. Mature males are larger than females and develop a gold edging on their fins, while females have white edges on their finnage. During breeding periods, males may display more vibrant coloration as they establish and defend their territory.

Breeding

Breeding Gold Ocellatus is quite manageable for aquarists if the right conditions are provided. A separate breeding tank with the same water parameters as the main tank is recommended to increase the chances of success. Add multiple empty snail shells to serve as spawning sites for the females. Introduce several females to one male in the breeding tank and condition them with a protein-rich diet of live or frozen foods.

The female will choose a shell and display to the male to indicate readiness for spawning. Upon the male's acceptance, she will deposit her eggs inside the shell, which the male then fertilizes. The female tends to the eggs, fanning them until they hatch in about 3-4 days. Once the fry are free-swimming, they can be fed newly hatched brine shrimp or microworms. As they grow, the fry can gradually transition to the same diet as the adult fish. It’s essential to maintain high water quality in the breeding tank to ensure the fry’s survival.

Conclusion

The Gold Ocellatus is a fascinating cichlid that, with proper care and tank setup, can thrive in a home aquarium. By providing a sandy substrate, an abundance of shells, and stable water conditions, you can observe their natural territorial behaviors and possibly breed them. Despite their relatively simple appearance, these fish bring a unique charm and dynamic presence to a well-planned cichlid community.

Picture

Bought by aqua-fish.net from jjphoto.dk