Genus
Altolamprologus
- Species
- 2
- Photographed
- 2 of 2
- Difficulty rated
- 2 of 2
Where the name comes fromEdit
from the Latin term altus, meaning 'high', in reference to the deep dorsal profile of genus members, plus Lamprologus, which was their original genus.
Altolamprologus calvusCalvus Cichlid
Poll, 1978
The calvus cichlid, Altolamprologus calvus, is a laterally compressed predatory cichlid endemic to the rocky shores and islands of Lake Tanganyika. Its shape lets it enter crevices in the rockwork to prey on eggs, fry and small fish, and its thick scales have serrated edges. Several colour forms from different parts of the lake are regularly available and should be kept apart so they do not hybridise. Wild fish are sensitive to changes in water chemistry.
Altolamprologus compressicepsCompressed Cichlid
Boulenger, 1898
The compressed cichlid, Altolamprologus compressiceps, is a substrate-spawning cichlid endemic to Lake Tanganyika, where it lives among rocky rubble. Its colour pattern varies with locality, and many forms are traded under their own names, such as 'Burundi red fin' and 'black cheek'. Populations should be kept apart and labelled with their collection locality to avoid hybridisation. A smaller, shell-dwelling fish traded as A. sp. compressiceps 'shell' appears to be an undescribed species.