All fish / Cichlidae

Black Neolamprologus

Neolamprologus niger

Also known as lamprologus niger, niger cichlid, black lamprologus

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A small, slim Lake Tanganyika cichlid with a very dark brown to black body, often showing a faint blue sheen on the fin edges. It is kept by cichlid enthusiasts who enjoy rarer lamprologines and want a compact rock dweller with interesting pair behaviour.

Care at a glance

Care level

Moderate

Temperament

Semi

Adult size

7 cm

Temperature

24 to 27 °C

pH

7.8 to 9

Smallest tank

80 litres

Keep as

One pair, or a single male with several females

Diet

Carnivore: small live and frozen foods such as brine shrimp, mysis and cyclops, plus quality small pellets

Swims

Bottom of the tank

Lifespan

6 to 10 years

Water

Freshwater

Wild range

Lake Tanganyika, western shore (DR Congo)

Breeding

A secretive cave spawner that lays eggs inside rock crevices or shells, with both parents guarding the eggs and fry. Established pairs breed fairly readily in hard, alkaline water with plenty of rockwork.

Good to know

Becomes territorial around its cave when breeding, so give it plenty of rockwork and keep it away from small, timid bottom dwellers. It is rarely offered for sale, so check that you are not being sold a different dark Neolamprologus species.