Altolamprologus compressiceps "Chaitika Orange"

Origin and locale/variety: Cape Chaitika--Zambia, Lake Tanganyika, East Africa

Size: Adults are usually 2.0 to 4.0 inches in aquarium environment.

Sex differences: Males are larger than females. Fully mature males have noticeably more elongated finnage and are higher bodied.

Aquarium behavior: This fish can be kept in pairs or colonies. They are capable of fending for themselves without being overly aggressive to tankmates. The entire genus of Altolamprologus is ideal for Tanganyikan community environments. They can also be kept with many of the cichlids from Lake Malawi and Lake Victoria. Different species and color morphs of Altolamprologus can be kept and bred in the same aquarium.

Aquarium diet: Altolamprologus readily accept most foods: flakes, freeze-dried, frozen, and live. A combination of these is recommended. In aquarium environments, it is rare to see Altolamprologus eat other fishes.

You Need to Know: Altolamprologus do not compete as aggressively for aquarium food as do most African cichlids. This fact, combined with the slow growth rate of young specimens, means that the aquarist needs to exercise special care to ensure that his Altolamps get enough to eat. This especially applies to young specimens.

Compatability: Altolamprologus is a relatively quiet, slow-moving cichlid. It is most comfortable when kept with most other Tanganyikan cichlids. It does not appreciate the company of super-active species such as Tropheus and the Mbuna complex from Lake Malawi.

Observed spawning habits: Females will find a spawning site, normally a cave, crevice, or shell, too small for the male to enter. Sometimes the male will seem to choose the site, and will coerce the female to it. Females can spawn every 25-35 days when kept in condition. The fish may spawn on the substrate or in elevated areas. This fish is a very secretive spawner. It is fairly easy to overlook actual spawns.

Other information: The Chaitika is one of a number of "Orange" races found in Lake Tanganika. They seem to have a larger amount of gold coloration.

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