Lamprologus kungweensis

Scientific name: Lamprologus kungweensis

Common name: N/A

Family: Cichlidae

Usual size in fish tanks: 7 - 8 cm (2.76 - 3.15 inch)

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Recommended pH range: 7.5 - 8.1

Recommended water hardness: 15 - 30°N (267.86 - 535.71ppm)

0°C 32°F30°C 86°F

Recommended temperature range: 23 - 27 °C (73.4 - 80.6°F)

The way how these fish reproduce: Spawning

Where the species comes from: Africa

Temperament to its own species: peaceful to females

Temperament toward other fish species: peaceful

Usual place in the tank: Bottom levels

General Information

Lamprologus kungweensis is a small Tanganyikan cichlid restricted to Kungwe Bay near Kigoma on Lake Tanganyika’s north-western shore. In the wild it lives on soft muddy bottoms and among scattered empty shells, where it digs holes and adopts shells as nests. Adults reach about 8 cm TL, so this is a compact shell-associated cichlid rather than a large rock dweller. It occasionally appears in the aquarium trade and is sometimes sold as the “ocellated shell-dweller.”

Food and Feeding

An opportunistic micro-predator/omnivore. Offer high-quality small pellets or flakes as staple, plus meaty items for condition and breeding: live or frozen brine shrimp, daphnia, cyclops, and bloodworms. Feed small portions 1–2× daily so all food is eaten within a few minutes; avoid mammalian meats and chronic overfeeding.

Sexing

Males are typically a little larger and more assertive; females are rounder in the belly, especially in breeding condition. (Some keepers report a subtle yellow flush on the abdomen of gravid females.)

Breeding

A classic shell spawner and pit-digger. Provide a dedicated tank with a sandy substrate and a choice of empty shells (e.g., Neothauma types or similar) plus a few small flat stones. The female lays eggs deep in a shell; she tends and guards the clutch while the male defends the surrounding territory. Hatching time depends on temperature; once fry are free-swimming, start with microworms/infusoria and transition to newly hatched brine shrimp. Shell clusters spaced 10–15 cm apart help reduce aggression.

Lifespan

About 5–8 years with stable, very clean water and a varied diet.

Tank Requirements & Water Parameters

• Footprint first: prioritize bottom area over height; a 75–90 cm (30–36″) long tank lets you place multiple shell patches.
• Substrate & décor: fine sand for digging, groups of shells (≥2 per fish), a few rocks for line-of-sight breaks; moderate flow and strong biological filtration.
• Water: hard, alkaline Tanganyika conditions; range (pH 7.5–8.1; 15–30 °dH; 23–27 °C) is appropriate. Keep parameters stable and highly oxygenated.
• Maintenance: weekly 25–35% water changes; avoid sudden swings.

Compatibility & Tank Mates

With other species it’s generally peaceful but highly territorial around shells. Keep either a single male with multiple females (space permitting) or a lone pair. Avoid mixing adult males in cramped quarters; combine only with non-predatory Tanganyikans that use different niches (e.g., small Cyprichromis mid-water shoalers) and avoid boisterous rock-dwellers.

Care Notes

• Provide at least 2 shells per fish; more shells than fish reduces squabbling.
• They excavate: protect filter intakes and expect constantly reshaped sand.
• Use a tight-fitting lid; many shell dwellers will dart upward when startled.

Short Description

Lamprologus kungweensis is a shell-associated dwarf cichlid from Lake Tanganyika. Keep it over sand with plenty of shells, in hard alkaline water, and in carefully planned territories. Peaceful with other species but strongly territorial around its nest.

Q&A

• Usual place in the tank? Bottom levels, hugging the sand and shells; it digs holes and lives/guards in and around shells.
• Can I keep multiple males? Only with ample footprint and distinct shell patches; males are territorial and will clash in tight spaces.
• Max size? Around 8 cm TL reported in the wild/trade.

Picture

Bought by aqua-fish.net from jjphoto.dk.