All fish / Cichlidae

Crassus Cichlid

Neolamprologus crassus

Also known as neolamprologus crassus, lamprologus crassus, crassus, crassus lamprologine, brichardi crassus, ネオランプロローグス・クラッスス, 厚唇新亮丽鲷

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A close relative of the fairy cichlid, this Tanganyikan lamprologine has a stockier body, a beige to tan colour with blue edged fins and long streamers on the lyre shaped tail. Keepers enjoy it for its cooperative family behaviour, where older young help guard new broods among the rocks.

Care at a glance

Care level

Moderate

Temperament

Semi

Adult size

8 cm

Temperature

24 to 27 °C

pH

7.8 to 9

Smallest tank

110 litres

Keep as

One pair or a small family colony

Diet

Carnivore: small crustaceans, mysis, brine shrimp, quality pellets and frozen foods

Swims

Bottom of the tank

Lifespan

8 to 10 years

Water

Freshwater

Wild range

Lake Tanganyika (Tanzania, DR Congo, Burundi, Zambia)

Breeding

It spawns in caves, with the female guarding eggs while the male defends the area, and juveniles from earlier spawns help raise later broods. Breeding a compatible pair in a rocky tank with hard alkaline water is fairly easy.

Good to know

Becomes territorial around its cave and colony, so give plenty of rockwork and avoid small, timid tankmates. Easily confused with Neolamprologus brichardi and N. pulcher, so buy from reliable sellers to avoid hybrids.