Toa cichlid

Neolamprologus toae

Also known as Lamprologus toae

FreshwaterFish

Care at a glance

Temperature: 75–81°F (24–27°C)
pH: 7.8–9.0
Adult size: 4.7 in (12 cm)
Minimum tank: 53 gal (200 L)
Temperament: Mostly peaceful
Social behavior: Social
Swim level: Bottom
Difficulty: Medium
Breeding: Medium
Rarity: Rare
Origin: Lake Tanganyika, northern basin
Family: Cichlidae

Overview

The Toa cichlid is one of the more even-tempered members of its group, a rock-dwelling Tanganyikan that can be kept as a pair or a small group with other calm rift-lake fish. It works over stone near the bottom, picking small invertebrates from the film of algae and tiny animals that coats the rocks. Give it a tank with plenty of rockwork and hiding places over sand, and it will settle and pair off. Feed small frozen foods, sinking pellets and the occasional vegetable-based food. A tank of around 200 liters suits a pair or small group with a few companions.

In the wild

This species lives over rock and gravel in the northern basin of Lake Tanganyika, grazing the invertebrate life in the algal film on the stones. Recreate that with a rocky layout full of crevices over a sandy floor, moderate flow and good oxygen. Tanganyika water is hard and very alkaline, so keep it warm and buffered, around 24 to 27 C and pH 7.8 to 9.0.

Good to know

Neolamprologus toae is a cichlid of Lake Tanganyika reaching about 12 centimeters. Rather than hunting open water, it picks small invertebrates from the aufwuchs, the mat of algae and tiny animals covering the rocks. Like other lamprologines it is a substrate spawner that forms pairs and guards its eggs and fry.

Did you know

Many of its lamprologine relatives are ambush hunters, but the Toa cichlid makes its living quietly, working the rocks for the small invertebrates that live in the algal film rather than chasing down prey.