Lestradea perspicax
On this page11 sections
Quick facts
Difficulty4 of 8 measures
More bars, more demanding. The first 7 are averaged into the rating.
- Space
- large tank
- Water
- mild adjustment
- Temp
- steady heat
- Diet
- unknown
- Temperament
- peaceful
- Social
- unknown
- Compatibility
- unknown
Not averaged. It sets the lowest rating this fish can be given, whatever the measures above say.
- Hardiness
- unknown
There is some confusion regarding the taxonomy of this species and its congener L. stappersi. L. stappersi was originally regarded as a subspecies of perspicax but is now considered a distinct species. It is not often seen in the hobby....
Distribution
Endemic to the northern end of Lake Tanganyika.
Habitat
It inhabits areas of shallow water with sandy substrates.
Aquarium size
120 ∗ 30 ∗ 30 cm48 ∗ 12 ∗ 12 in - ~108 litres~29 US gal.
Maintenance
Set up the aquarium with large piles of rocks arranged to form caves, large areas of open water for swimming and a sandy substrate, as this species tends to sift through the substrate looking for food.
Water conditions
Temperature: 24 – 27 °C75 – 81 °F
pH: 7.8-9.0
Hardness: 8-25°H
These recommendations come from this profile’s own figures. They contain affiliate links, so we may earn a commission.
Diet
L. perspicax will accept most foods offered but live and frozen varieties should form the bulk of the diet.
Behaviour and compatibility
Very peaceful. Do not keep with boisterous species such as Mbuna. Good tankmates include Julidochromis, Neolamprologus and Xenotilapia species.
Sexual dimorphism
Tricky to sex. Males grow slightly larger than females and have two distinct lines on the dorsal fin. Females usually have only one line.
Reproduction
Not achieved in aquaria but is known to be a maternal mouthbrooder in nature.
Notes
There is some confusion regarding the taxonomy of this species and its congener L. stappersi. L. stappersi was originally regarded as a subspecies of perspicax but is now considered a distinct species. It is not often seen in the hobby.
Species images · 1
Used with the photographer’s permission. Not licensed for reuse.
One photograph on file. More would be welcome.
Profile completeness17 of 24
71% complete
- references
- a recorded distribution
- taxonomic authority
- a common name
- social needs
- community suitability
- etymology
Community
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