Lemon cichlid

Neolamprologus leleupi

FreshwaterFish

Care at a glance

Temperature: 73–81°F (23–27°C)
pH: 7.8–9.0
Adult size: 4.5 in (11.5 cm)
Minimum tank: 20 gal (75 L)
Temperament: Mostly peaceful
Social behavior: Solitary
Swim level: Middle
Difficulty: Medium
Breeding: Hard
Rarity: Common
Origin: Lake Tanganyika
Family: Cichlidae

Overview

This is a fairly solitary, territorial fish that claims a cave and defends it, getting nippy toward its own kind and similar fish, especially while breeding. Keep it in a rocky tank with clear territory lines and tankmates that can hold their own. In the wild it eats small invertebrates and zooplankton, so feed quality cichlid pellets plus frozen brine shrimp and daphnia. Hard, alkaline water is not optional for this Tanganyikan.

In the wild

Lemon cichlids live along the rocky shores of Lake Tanganyika in East Africa, hiding in crevices and caves at a range of depths. The lake water is clear, hard, and very alkaline. Match that with a rocky tank full of caves, hard water, and a high pH, anywhere from 7.8 up to 9. About 75 liters works for a single fish or a pair with enough rock to claim a territory.

Good to know

Neolamprologus leleupi is in the family Cichlidae and reaches about 11.5 cm. It has a slender body for slipping through rock crevices and a solid yellow to orange color. It is a cave-spawner that lays eggs on the roof or wall of a cave. Wild stocks are not endangered, but over-collection and habitat change are watch points.

Did you know

The lemon cichlid's bright color is heavily influenced by diet and lighting. Without enough carotenoids in the food, or with too much bright light over a pale tank, the orange fades toward a dull yellow, so feeding color-rich foods keeps that signature color.