All fish / Cichlidae

Ventralis Cichlid

Neolamprologus ventralis

Also known as ventralis, neolamprologus ventralis, lamprologus ventralis

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A small, slim lamprologine cichlid from Lake Tanganyika with a pale tan to yellowish body and fine bluish edging on the long fins. It lives over mixed rock and sand, so keepers value it as a modest-sized, characterful cave spawner for Tanganyikan rock setups.

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

100 litres

Keep as

One pair, or one male with several females

Diet

Carnivore: small crustaceans, mysis, brine shrimp, cyclops and quality sinking pellets

Swims

Bottom of the tank

Lifespan

8 to 10 years

Water

Freshwater

Wild range

Lake Tanganyika (Tanzania, DR Congo, Zambia)

Breeding

It is a substrate spawner that lays eggs in caves or crevices, with both parents guarding the eggs and fry. Breeding is fairly straightforward in hard, alkaline water once a compatible pair forms.

Good to know

Pairs become territorial when breeding and may harass other small cave-dwelling cichlids. It is rarely traded, and other small yellowish Neolamprologus species can be confused with it.