Neolamprologus caudopunctatus

Scientific name: Neolamprologus caudopunctatus

Common name: N/A

Family: Cichlidae

Usual size in fish tanks: 5 - 7 cm (1.97 - 2.76 inch)

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Recommended pH range: 7.5 - 8.5

Recommended water hardness: 10 - 18°N (178.57 - 321.43ppm)

0°C 32°F30°C 86°F

Recommended temperature range: 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: aggressive/territorial

Temperament toward other fish species: aggressive/territorial

Usual place in the tank: Middle levels

General Information

Neolamprologus caudopunctatus is a small Tanganyikan cichlid found over sandy bottoms with scattered rocks. In nature it hovers just above the substrate feeding on zooplankton, forming loose groups with a clear hierarchy; in aquaria it shows best color and behavior when kept as a bonded pair or small group with well-defined territories. Typical adult size is 5–7 cm.

Food and Feeding

In the wild it plucks zooplankton from the water column close to the bottom. Offer a protein-forward diet: quality flakes or micro-granules as staple, with regular portions of live or frozen foods such as brine shrimp, cyclops, daphnia, and mysis. Small, frequent feedings help mimic its natural foraging and maintain condition.

Sexing

Males are usually slightly larger and slimmer, often with subtly longer pelvic fins; females appear deeper-bodied when gravid. Color differences are modest compared to many cichlids.

Breeding

A biparental substrate spawner. In the lake, it typically excavates a cavity under a rock and spawns there; in aquaria, pairs readily adopt shells or small caves as nest sites. The female tends the clutch at close range while the male patrols the territory. Fry are tiny and tend to hover around the shelter; start them on infusoria/fry food, then newly hatched brine shrimp.

Lifespan

Commonly cited at ~3–5 years in aquaria; longer lifespans are reported with excellent water quality and low stress.

Tank Requirements & Water Parameters

• Footprint: prioritize floor area; 60–75 cm (24–30″) length for a pair, larger for groups.
• Substrate & layout: fine sand (for digging), scattered rocks to make small caves and line-of-sight breaks; moderate flow; high oxygenation; quality filtration.
• Water: hard, alkaline Tanganyikan conditions. Target pH ~7.8–8.5; hardness roughly 10–18 °dH; temperature 24–27 °C (75–81 °F). Stability is key.
• Maintenance: weekly 25–35% water changes; avoid sudden parameter swings.

Compatibility & Tank Mates

Territorial around the nest but generally peaceful with appropriately sized Tanganyikan species that use different niches (e.g., mid-water Cyprichromis). Keep a pair or one male with adequate space; mixing multiple males requires larger footprints and careful scaping.

Behaviour & Usual Place in the Tank

Mid–lower water column (benthopelagic): spends most time hovering just above the sand/rocks, making short sorties to pick food. Provide open lanes in front of rockwork for natural “hover-and-pluck” behavior.

Short Description

Neolamprologus caudopunctatus is a petite, zooplanktivorous Tanganyikan cichlid that hovers over sand and spawns in small cavities (under rocks in the wild; shells or caves in aquaria). Keep it in hard, alkaline, well-oxygenated water with sand and rockwork, and expect assertive territorial displays around the nest.

Q&A

• Shell dweller or cave spawner? In the wild it caves under rocks; in aquaria it readily uses shells or small caves as substitutes.
• Usual place in the tank? Mid–lower levels, hovering just above the substrate rather than resting on it.
• Best group size? A bonded pair, or a small group in a larger footprint with multiple territories and visual breaks.

Picture

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