Lamprologus

In nature, the spawning nests of large male fish may measure several meters across and contain hundreds of snail shells. Interestingly, when they are protecting brooding females males do not eat and eventually become so weak that their territories are taken over by stronger fish. Immature and sub-dominant males can be seen over areas of open substrate where they feed voraciously in large shoals. Females are only ever found in areas containing the nests of dominant males. It appears that the ...

An interesting species which resembles the popular Steatocranus species, both physically and in lifestyle. It has several physiological adaptations to allow it to live in rapids and fast-moving waters. The body is very streamlined, with strong pectoral fins. The swimbladder is also modified, being much reduced in size. This makes the fish less buoyant and thus less likely to be swept away by strong currents. In the aquarium it spends most of its time on the substrate, where it swims in a comical...

L. kungweensis can be distinguished from similar species such as L. hecqui by the gold colour on the top of the eye. It also has a distinctive black spot towards the back of the dorsal fin. It is not often seen in the hobby....

A highly piscivorous, predatory species unsuited to the general aquarium. It is an ambush predator in nature, often being seen hanging motionless around rocky structures or on the floor of the lake. It is a sedentary species and does not move around a lot. This is a behavioural adaptation known as thanatosis, or 'playing dead'. This strategy is usually used as a defensive means in other animals, but in L. lemairii it is adapted for offensive means. The fish has a mottled colour pattern...

A charming little cichlid with real character, L. ocellatus is a deservedly popular hobbyists' fish. It has an endearing habit of burying its shell and defending it against all-comers. Many an unsuspecting hobbyist has recieved a sharp nip from an ocellatus who feels its territory is being invaded. Neighbouring shells may also be buried to prevent other fish moving in. Koning has hypothesisesd that the burying of the shell and the resultant pile of sand around it not only provides additiona...

Care must be taken when purchasing this species as females look so different to males that the sexes were initially described as separate species!

This species is very similar to L. ocellatus and often carries the trade name "black ocellatus". It is found living alongside L. stappersi in nature....

This fish was originally thought to be a morph of L. ocellatus but has now been described as a distinct species. It is still occasionally offered for sale as "pearly ocellatus" and may also be seen under the invalid name L. meleagris....